A "lost and vulnerable" young woman, who helped steal a calf from a WA farm, was influenced by members of an international animal rights network, according to a Mandurah Magistrate.
Mihaela Herceg, 21, was ordered to undertake a 12-month community order and was fined $400 after pleading guilty to six charges in the Mandurah Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Police prosecutor Houghton told the court the Yangebup resident committed the crimes with two members of activist group Direct Action Everywhere.
She said Herceg, who has since left the group, helped steal a Friesian calf, worth $300, from White Rocks dairy farm in Brunswick on October 23, 2018.
Senior Constable Houghton said Herceg trespassed at GD Pork piggery in West Pinjarra, assisting others in stealing a dead piglet on September 9, 2018.
She said a photo of the pig, surrounded by flowers, was used on activist's posters at protests outside fast food outlets in Belmont.
Senior Constable Houghton said Herceg also trespassed on a farm in Nambeelup and Hopeland between August 28-31, 2018.
Magistrate Anne Longden told the court Herceg's spate of offending was "deliberate and brazen" taking place "under the cover of darkness".
"Aggravated burglary is one of the most serious offences dealt with in this jurisdiction," she said.
But, she accepted Herceg had been vulnerable, struggling with a "significant" health issue and "found a place" in the activist group, which had some "forceful personalities".
Ms Longden said Herceg believed the photo of the dead piglet was going to be used "thoughtfully" in a documentary.
She commended Herceg for offering to meet with victims and apologise.
Carla Hildebrandt
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
