• Geelong police have arrested two animal cruelty investigators from Farm Transparency Project after a daylight raid in the early hours of this morning. 
• Police are attempting to deny bail. 
• The raid and arrests are believed to be in connection to the rescue of eight chickens from a factory farm earlier this month. 

Geelong police have made two arrests after raiding the Melbourne homes of animal activists from Farm Transparency Project, including the organisations director Chris Delforce. 

Police are denying bail for investigators Chris Delforce and Siena Callander and they are expected to appear before a Magistrate today. 

Farm Transparency Project's strategy and campaigns director said that they believe the raids and arrests may be in connection to the rescue of eight 'meat' chickens conducted by the organisation earlier this month. 

"For over a decade, Farm Transparency Project has investigated and exposed some of the worst cruelty to animals ever imagined. Because of the tireless work of civilian investigators, abhorrent acts have been brought to light. Yet, the animal slaughter industry and Victoria police continue to use their resources to persecute peaceful activists. They are arrested for installing cameras, for filming, for taking photos or for rescuing sick and injured animals. All the while the people who allow the animals in their care to suffer and die in agony are allowed to continue operating."

"For the police to deny bail for peaceful animal rescuers while they regularly allow those charged with the worst violence imaginable to walk free is inexcusable."

In a statement about the rescue made on their social media, the group said the following:

"In November, investigators from Farm Transparency Project visited an Australian 'broiler' farm to rescue eight 'meat chickens.' Broiler chickens are dumped in long sheds at just one day old. They spend their entire, short lives in the same shed, which becomes more and more filthy and contaminated with ammonia from a build-up of urine and faeces."

"These chickens would have been killed by the end of this month. Instead, they'll live out their lives surrounded by love and care. Just like every chicken deserves."

The rescue was conducted in solidarity with American animal rescuer Zoe Rosenberg who faces five years in prison after rescuing two sick chickens from a Californian slaughterhouse.