PETA targets Somerset with billboards

Following the failure by plant-based campaigners to pass a motion banning meat and dairy produce at North Devon Council, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has resorted to displaying billboards promoting their message in Bridgwater, Somerset.

The controversial group claim the billboard at Bridgwater’s MOTO services “encourages locals and visitors alike to enjoy the nutritious and climate- and animal-friendly vegetables, herbs, grains, nuts, and fruits grown by farmers.”

It has prompted concern that attempts may be taken to persuade the unitary council to implement its own meat and dairy ban.

They claim to have influenced councils across the UK, including in Hythe, Lewisham, Oxford, and Oxfordshire, to implement plant-based catering.

Enfield Council in London has also removed meat and dairy from its council menu.

While there is no single, united campaign to lobby councils into going vegan, several animal rights affiliated groups are competing to spearhead the effort; including Plant-Based Councils- an extension of Animal Rising, which changed its name from Animal Rebellion after an exposé in the Mail on Sunday- and another group, the Plant Based Treaty, which lobbies public bodies, councils and businesses into implementing plant-based food strategies.

To counter the threat nationally, the Countryside Alliance has led the campaign against compulsory veganism in local councils. So far, 10 councils, including Wiltshire, Cornwall, Suffolk, and Dorset have all passed an alternative motion, blocking the ban and instead pledging to source local produce, while encouraging the public to do the same.

Following the appearance of the billboards, Somerset Live contacted the Countryside Alliance to ask for its response.

A spokesperson said:

"Efforts to implement compulsory veganism are rightly failing and the Countryside Alliance will continue to challenge any councillor who attempts to demonise our hardworking livestock farmers by pursuing draconian bans on meat and dairy. The vast bulk of the British public continue to enjoy sustainable meat and dairy produce and there is no sign of that changing."