The group is calling for the release of the sow from Midland Bacon at Carag Carag.
They want the pig — who they have named Olivia — to be released into the care of an animal sanctuary rather than continue to be used for breeding or sent to an abattoir.
Activists arrived at the property about 10.30am on Wednesday, March 20, and protested on the roadside.
They demanded the pig be released into their care and said they intended to remain at the property for as long as it takes to get her.
Police from Kyabram, Rushworth and Echuca attended and kept an eye on the protesters.
Speaking to Shepparton News on Wednesday morning, Midland Bacon director Steve Crawford said the pig that protesters were calling for the release of was not at the piggery any more.
He said the pig had been “taken off farm and has gone to a farm where it will be looked after”.
Mr Crawford said he could understand the protesters’ concerns and he said he would send photos to them of the pig at the other farm “later this week”.
Animal rights campaigner Sophie Wilcher, alongside dietician Meghan Quinlan, started a petition to free the pig.
The petition at change.org has already garnered more than 13,000 signatures.
Ms Wilcher said she had tried everything else to secure the pig’s release before Wednesday’s protest at the piggery.
“I started by calling the police, who were already well aware of the case and had arrested (a person),” she said.
“They told me that they could do nothing to help Olivia and told me to talk to the RSPCA.
“When I contacted the RSPCA, however, I was informed that they didn’t have jurisdiction to intervene as the property had more than 25 animals.
“I was directed to contact Agriculture Victoria, which I did, but received no help there either.
“I have emailed, texted and called the operator of the piggery explaining how a sanctuary has agreed to take Olivia and will provide her a loving home, called and sent letters to the two owners of the piggery, and I have done everything else I could possibly imagine doing to get this one sow ... released into our care.
“Why is it so hard to let her live out her life in peace?”
Ms Wilcher said the protesters were at the piggery “to show many people care about Olivia and want her to be released”.
Farm Transparency Project director Harley McDonald-Eckersall said she was deeply moved by how the story had touched so many people.
“Pigs are intelligent, sentient animals who have the capacity for pain, fear and suffering,” Ms McDonald-Eckersall said.
“It is our hope that the piggery decides to do what is right and allow Olivia to live out the rest of her life on an animal sanctuary ...”
Ms McDonald-Eckersall confirmed Mr Crawford had spoken to the protesters this morning and he told them the pig had been moved to another farm, but she said the group wanted proof before calling off the protest.
Police said the protesters left about 1pm.
No arrests were made at what police said was a “peaceful protest” where protesters did not attempt to enter the piggery grounds.
A man, 30, from Campaspe Shire was charged with bestiality on March 5.
He has been bailed to appear at the Echuca Magistrates’ Court in June.
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