Media Release Media Release Media Release

Monday, 8 October, 2007

AACT launch $1,000,000 Animal Justice Fund

Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania (AACT) will today launch the Animal Justice Fund, a $1,000,000 fund established to promote the cause of animal welfare through the prosecution of persons and/or corporations who commit offences against animals used in intensive farming and commercial and recreational practices. The launch will take place at 1:00p.m at Fitzgerald & Browne, Level 2, T &G Building -115 Collins St.

AACT Co-ordinator Julie Williamson said:

‘This is the first Fund of its kind to be established in Australia and possibly internationally too. The Fund will actively seek information from the public and prosecute those who commit acts of cruelty against animals. This Fund has been created because of a perceived failure by the authorities to actively and effectively prevent animal cruelty occurring on a daily basis in intensive farming operations and where animals are used for commercial / recreational purposes. It is clear to us that the animal welfare legislation is being breached routinely and without any consequence’.

The fund was created following the ABC Stateline Program (screened 13th April 2007) in which AACT Committee members Emma Haswell and Benedict Bartl captured alarming footage depicting sick and dying hens in a Tasmanian Battery Hen farm.

Lawyer Roland Browne was contacted after the screening of the Stateline Program by an anonymous benefactor wishing to establish a fund that would actively seek to bring prosecutions against persons and or corporations committing crimes against animals. The Fund will pay for legal fees to prosecute offenders as well as offer significant financial rewards of up to $25,000 to informants who provide information that leads to a successful prosecution.

The Executive Officer of AACT Jenn Beer observing:

‘The AJF is well resourced and has an excellent team of lawyers. Rewards of up to $25,000 may be awarded to those who come forward with information leading to a successful prosecution. We remain hopeful that there will be no need for the AJF but where it is warranted we will lawfully pursue those deserving of the full force of the law’.

The AJF will be launching advertisements in the print media in the coming weeks. The website can be accessed at www.animaljusticefund.org

Photo Opportunities Available For more information: Julie Williamson 0400 153 346