Vegan activists will stage another demonstration outside Costa Coffee shop this weekend. Campaigners plan to gather in major cities - including Bristol - on Saturday (March 11) to protest against the dairy industry.
Organisers Viva! - a UK vegan charity - staged a similar demo in January, which took place in Broadmead. Protesters will once again stand outside coffee shops with placards to 'educate' customers about the dairy industry and plant-based alternatives like oat, soya and almond milk.
A charity spokesperson said their action was triggered after an 'investigation' into Red Tractor assured dairy farm, contracted to Freshways who supply milk to Costa Coffee, uncovered what the charity called 'rampant cruelty'.
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They said: "We found cows that were emaciated, lame and struggling to walk, others manhandled, slapped and shoved, and others visibly injured or in shackles. And all for a product that we don't need and that is actually BAD for our health!"
Viva! released footage from their undercover investigation which seemingly showed cattle struggling to walk, while others were manhandled, slapped and shoved.
Viva!’s founder and director Juliet Gellatley said: "We’re taking to the streets to educate people about the dairy industry: one that profits from exploitation and suffering.
"We’ll be having judgement-free, positive conversations with Costa Coffee customers, helping them see that dairy alternatives are delicious, and don’t involve suffering.”
A spokesperson for Red Tractor said: "Upon reviewing the footage provided by Viva! and following the completion of a spot check of the farm, Red Tractor can confirm that the dairy farm scheme member is in compliance with Red Tractor animal welfare standards.
"The farm also has a strong and long-standing record of compliance with Red Tractor standards, and consistently demonstrates best practice in British dairy farming.
"We are therefore satisfied that the Viva! claims against the Red Tractor member are unfounded."
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