Two carnivore activists have been convicted of public order offences after gnawing on raw squirrels outside a vegan market.
The two men, Deonisy Khlebnikov and Gatis Lagzdins – known as YouTuber Sv3rige – were ‘protesting against veganism’ when they carried out the action in March. Both were led away in handcuffs after police were called to the scene.
Khlebnikov was fined £200, and Lagzdins who did not show up to the hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, was fined £400. In addition, both were ordered to cover prosecution costs of £310 each.
‘Against veganism’
“Deonisy Khlebnikov and Gatis Lagzdins claimed they were against veganism and were raising awareness about the dangers of not eating meat when they publicly consumed raw squirrels,” Natalie Clines, from the CPS, said.
“By choosing to do this outside a vegan food stall and continuing with their disgusting and unnecessary behavior despite requests to stop, including from a parent whose child was upset by their actions, the prosecution was able to demonstrate that they had planned and intended to cause distress to the public.
“Their pre-meditated actions caused significant distress to members of the public, including young children.”