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Vegan activists have staged a demo ‘barbecuing a dog’ in Bristol and Cardiff.
The campaigners, from animal rights charity PETA, wanted to make people think about why they eat some animals, and love others.
They roasted a prop dog on a barbecue over a banner that said: “If You Wouldn’t Eat a Dog, Why Eat a Pig? Go Vegan!” Protesters also handed out ‘Think Before You Eat’ leaflets to passers-by.
Criticism
PETA carried out a similar protest in Sydney earlier this year – and came under fire for ‘terrifying children’ with the prop dog.
“PETA stooping to new lows with their stunt in Martin Place today – terrifying children on school holiday outings by barbecuing a (very lifelike) dog. I saw some visible upset kids,” a social media user complained.
Animal suffering
Despite the outrage, the vegan charity believes this kind of protest is essential, in prompting people to ask important questions.
“When it comes to the capacity to suffer and feel pain and fear, a dog is no different from a pig, a chicken, or a cow,” PETA Director, Elisa Allen, said in a statement. “PETA is urging anyone repulsed by the prospect of chowing down on dog meat to extend that compassion to all other animals and go vegan.”
PETA adds: “In the meat industry, chickens’ throats are cut while they’re still conscious, piglets’ tails are cut off without painkillers, and cows are hung upside down in abattoirs and their throats are slit. On the decks of fishing boats, fish suffocate or are cut open while they’re still alive.”
