“Some friends of mine had a little lamb that they were raising - the mother had passed away," Ms Bird said.

"I fed that lamb a few times and then it was taken away and I realised it was going to be slaughtered for meat."

The incident triggered an epiphany, and Ms Bird said she realised meat “wasn’t just pre-packaging on a shelf – it was an animal”. 

Ms Bird pounded the pavements of Hadspen and suburban Launceston on Saturday, distributing 250 People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Go Vegan and Go Vegetarian starter packs into letterboxes.

Packs included information about veganism and vegetarianism and meat-free recipes. 

Ms Bird suffers from polycythemia rubra vera, a rare blood disorder which she said affects two in every 100,000 people.  

The disease meant her bone marrow produced too many blood cells. 

She was diagnosed eight years ago, after she became “rather unwell”. 

"I basically have to take medication to keep it under control - it is life threatening," Ms Bird said. 

"I get fatigued quite easily and have different side effects from the disease,” she said.

Ms Bird, who is 42-years-old, said she also suffered adverse reactions to necessary medication. 

Ms Bird said she felt much healthier after she became a vegan.

She is passionate about animal welfare, volunteering at Big Ears Animal Sanctuary and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.  

She’s also as member of Animals Australia and a supporter of PETA Australia. 

Ms Bird is the owner of German Shepherd Jessica and two budgies. 

Ms Bird said her dietary choices garnered mixed reactions, ranging from interest to confusion. 

"I have noticed a lot more people are going vegan or vegetarian, for health issues as well, because it's a healthier lifestyle,” Ms Bird said. 

“It's not like it was ten years ago."