INTERNATIONAL ACTIVIST TOURS NZ

Dr Martin Balluch, president of VGT (Association Against Animal Factories) in Austria has successfully campaigned for a ban of the use of battery cages and the sale of caged eggs in Austrian supermarkets. He has also managed to bring about the closure of Austrian fur farms. Martin is speaking at public meetings in Wellington, Palmerston North, Tauranga and Auckland.

Dr Balluch will speak about the successful campaign to ban battery cages as well as other animal rights campaigns in Austria, and will also provide an insight into the repression of animal protection groups in that country. In May last year police raided the houses and offices of animal rights organisations across Austria and imprisoned 10 prominent campaigners, including Dr Balluch. A worldwide solidarity campaign led to them being released after three months, but they still face charges of "being part of a criminal organisation," despite no evidence of any crime being produced.

Click here to visit the VGT.

MARTIN BALLUCH NZ TOUR DATES

Wellington, 7pm, Thursday 19 March

Palmerston North, 7.30pm, Monday 23 March

Tauranga, 7.15pm, Thursday 26 March

Auckland, 7pm, Saturday 28 March