Farm cafe forced to close after vegan activists 'steal livestock, abuse staff'

A family-owned cafe has been forced to close its doors and leave staff jobless after they were relentlessly abused by vegan animal activists for months on end. Photo / CCTV

A group of vegan activists has forced the closure of a popular family-owned Australian cafe after stealing livestock and abusing staff members and customers.

The Gippy Goat cafe owners John and Penny Gommans took to social media to announce the closure, detailing the horrific abuse and treatment they've received.

"This was not an easy decision to reach, however for the sake of our health and safety and that of our families and staff we feel that it is regrettably the best option," the post read.

"Our staff and customers have been subjected to nearly four months of constant harassment, vile statements and threats from the abusive vegan activists.

"We have personally been subjected to an appalling stream of threats of extreme violence against ourselves, our family, our staff and even their families.

"Our staff have been subjected to daily threats and harassment by phone, and we cannot in good conscience ask them to continue working under such a condition.

"Eight good people are now without a job, families no longer can enjoy the good food and open space, and children can no longer interact with our animals.

"Our farm will continue to operate as before but is no longer open to the public. We are truly sorry for any disappointment this may cause."

A family-owned cafe has been forced to close its doors and leave staff jobless after they were relentlessly abused by vegan animal activists for months on end. Photo / CCTV

The family claim tensions have only gotten worse since activists broke into their farm and stole three of goats last December

Last December activists stole three goats and a lamb from the farm cafe in the small Victorian town of Yarragon, about 110km southeast of Melbourne.

One person involved was fined $1 last month and ordered to pay $250 in compensation.

The cafe offers a full menu and encourages customers to feed the on-site goats and watch them being milked.

While the cafe is family-friendly and has a great local reputation, their Facebook page was flooded with rogue negative reviews.

But the courts failed to prosecute, meaning the cafe's reputation has been allowed to be dragged through the mud.

The cafe (pictured) offered a full menu and encouraged customers to feed the on-site goats and watch them get milked. Photo / Gippy Goat Cafe

"The enforcement agencies declined to prosecute to the full extent, so, to the thieves, trespassers and activists; you have won ... eight good people are now without a job, families no longer can enjoy the good food and open space, and children can no longer interact with our animals," the owners said.

"Society is the loser; the anonymous bullies, hypocrites, lawbreakers and self-professed paragons of moral and social justice have won."

Many described the activists involved - who have not been named - as "utterly disgusting".

"For a business to feel like they must close their doors because of harassment is unacceptable. This is where our police and justice system needs a review."

The announcement attracted thousands of comments, including a wealth of messages of support for the family.