Criminal Proceedings Move Forward Against Ralph Hahnheuser
After numerous delays, an Australia court found there was sufficient evidence to move forward with a criminal trial against animal rights activist Ralph Hahnheuser. Hahnheuser is accused of adding pork products to the feed of a shipment of sheep intended for the Middle East.
Hahnheuser has admitted that he did so, but nonetheless told the Australian court that he plans to plead not guilty to the charges.
The statute Hahnheuser is being charged under requires that the government show he spiked the feed in order to cause an economic loss through public awareness. Hahnheuser maintains his client was only motivated by the welfare of the sheep and did not intend to cause an economic loss to those shipping the sheep.
The next scheduled hearing in the case is on July 26.
Source:
Protestor to stand trial over sheep contamination. ABC News Online, April 23, 2004.
Animal liberationist on trial. The Standard (Australia), April 24, 2004.
Tags: Australia, Pigs, Ralph Hahnheuser, Sheep