Vegan activist Tash Peterson and her boyfriend Jack Higgs experienced a terrifying attack during what was supposed to be a peaceful dinner in Perth’s lively Northbridge district. The incident, which took place last Friday evening, began when a woman approached their table, confirmed Peterson’s identity by asking, “Are you Tash Peterson?” and then threw a drink in her face before running out of the restaurant.
Security footage captured the couple chasing the woman outside, where Peterson says things turned even more violent. “Five people came at me, pulling my hair, and when Jack stepped in to help, he was punched,” she said in a video posted to her Instagram. The punch struck Higgs near his temple, leaving him with blurred vision and headaches, although he was later discharged from the hospital after being checked.
Speaking about the ordeal, Peterson said the experience left them both in shock. “I’m just so relieved Jack is okay. That punch could’ve ended up much worse,” she told a local outlet.
The activist, who is no stranger to controversy, responded to online comments claiming the attack was “karma” for her outspoken stance on animal rights. “I don’t advocate for violence; I stand against it,” she explained. “People saying I deserve this are just avoiding accountability for their own choices. If I were campaigning against dog abuse, they’d agree with me. But because it’s about other animals, they don’t want to face it.”
Peterson also revealed that this wasn’t an isolated incident. Over the years, she has faced mobs at her home, damage to her property, countless assaults, and even death threats. Despite the challenges, she remains undeterred in her activism. “I won’t let fear stop me. Violence isn’t the answer, and that’s exactly what we’re fighting against—for animals and everyone else.”
Local police confirmed they are investigating the altercation and are asking anyone with information or footage to contact Crime Stoppers.
