PEOPLE for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have been spotted visiting agricultural shows and saleyards across Australia.
Their presence has not been noted yet in Ballarat, but manager of Ballarat Saleyards Jonathan Crilly said they have nothing to hide.
"We're always under scrutiny from different animal welfare bodies," Mr Crilly said.
"We don't alter our practices if we think someone might be coming, because we believe we're upholding the right standards."
A PETA spokesperson said that they do not give prior warning to visits, but anyone mistreating animals, legally or otherwise, should always worry that PETA is watching.
"If PETA undertakes unannounced inspections of saleyards, livestock shows or husbandry workshops we will not be making that public and instead will be reporting any violations of animal welfare standards or guidelines to the relevant authorities," the group said.
"We encourage farmers to choose the most humane practices or better still to find ways to stop using animals altogether."