Almost 50 vegan activists have been arrested, after staging protests in cities, farms and abattoirs around the nation. 

Protesters have broken into abattoirs and farms across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, on a “national day of action”.

Nine activists forced their way into a Goulburn abattoir about 2.30am, chaining themselves to a conveyor belt.

They told workers, “we’re not leaving until our demands are met”.

Police Rescue were called, and spent an hour cutting them free.

Three women refused to walk from the abattoir, and had to be carried out.

All have now been charged with trespass, and granted bail to face court next month.

There was a similar protest at an abattoir near Warwick in south-west Queensland.

More than 20 activists broke in before dawn and chained themselves to equipment.

They left after negotiating the release of three sheep, but abattoir owner Greg Carey wants the activists charged.

In the Melbourne CBD, police arrested 38 people as demonstrators brought one of the city’s busiest intersections to a standstill.

Police removed a van which pulled into the middle of the Flinders Street and Swanston Street intersection, blocking morning trams and traffic.

Macquarie National News police reporter Pat Mitchell has told Ray Hadley the demonstrators were removed one at a time.

Police carrying demonstrators out one by one. @3AW693 https://t.co/BAVVIaqtEz

— Pat Mitchell (@patty_mitchell) April 7, 2019

A 15-year-old, and two 17-year-olds are among those who police arrested, after hauling them off the street.

Click PLAY below to hear an update from reporter Pat Mitchell

Most demonstrators were moved on by 10.30am, but some went on to target the Melbourne Aquarium, in opposition of keeping sea life in captivity.

They were silent as they stood chained together at the entrance to the popular tourist attraction.

Animal rights activists, linked together by chains and PVC pipes, are blocking the main entrance to the Melbourne Aquarium in protest against the captivity of sea life. They are silent and being closely monitored by police. @3AW693 pic.twitter.com/LsVwJdvVSP

— Jordan Tunbridge (@JordanTunbridge) April 8, 2019

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has condemned the property invasions.

He tells Alan Jones they’re un-Australian.

“I mean this is just another form of activism that I think runs against the national interest.

“And the national interest is people being able to farm their own land.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview

The National Farmers Federation CEO Tony Mahar wants to safeguard farms and abattoirs for the future.

He tells Ben Fordham, “We’ve been talking with the government about getting a national response, and pursuing legal avenues to try and stop it.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview