Animal activist Lauren McGeachin outside Brisbane Magistrates Court.

A bikini model and vegan animal activist has faced court for allegedly stealing livestock after posting Instagram videos of a late-night “piglet rescue”.

July 1, 2020

A Brisbane bikini model and vegan animal activist who posted Instagram videos of a late-night “piglet rescue” has faced court for allegedly stealing livestock.

Lauren McGeachin briefly appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday for her alleged role in the November raid on a piggery near Toowoomba.

The 28-year-old previously posted a series of distressing videos titled “piglet rescue”.

The footage shows piles of dead piglets in a stall with a live sow and feeding piglets.

Other videos show partially buried pig carcasses and McGeachin cradling the rescued piglets.

In a later social media post titled “court”, McGeachin says she was “interrogated” about the animals after eight police officers raided her home.

“We rescued piglets a few months ago and I am now being charged with rescuing them,” she said.

“We were just trying to do the right thing, which in the law is the wrong thing.”

McGeachin said on Instagram she planned to plead guilty, but on Wednesday her legal aid lawyer asked for the case to be adjourned until police prosecutors supplied a brief of evidence.

Earlier, McGeachin posted an array of photos and videos of her playing with two piglets at a home.

She later told her 70,000 Instagram followers the animals had been confiscated and she was worried they would be euthanised.

“I don’t know how they are or where they are which sucks,” she said in a video.

“They (also) said I could be facing a $6000 (fine) and a conviction.”

“Just for rescuing piglets that were in a factory farm.”

Police have previously said three other women were also charged following an alleged theft at the Pittsworth piggery.

McGeachin is also charged with entering premises with intent to commit an indictable offence.

She will reappear in the same court on August 12.