Activists march through Truro in animal rights protest

Over a hundred animal activists and vegans showed up to an animal rights protest in Truro at the weekend.

The event, which is believed to be the first of its kind in Cornwall, had the support of nearly 150 people from across the duchy as they chanted their way through the streets of Truro on Saturday, August 10.

Organised by vegan and animal activist, Jacqui Robins, the animal rights march was put together for people who can't make it to London for the official animal rights march, founded by animal rights organisation, Surge, in 2016.

The London march is attended by thousands every year, but organiser for the Cornwall March, Jacqui, from Probus, said that she felt that Cornwall as a county, wasn't doing its bit to raise awareness for the suffering of animals.

She said: "We feel that Cornwall is a bit out on a limb and needs to catch up with the rest of the world.

"During conversations with Devon and Cornwall Police and Cornwall Council whilst organising it, it became clear that there is a hesitance to do things like this in Cornwall and I'm not sure why, because the suffering of animals is around us as much as the rest of the world.

"Instead of going elsewhere we wanted to do it on our own ground for the animals."

Over 500 people showed an interest in the event, which was advertised as a "peaceful" and "non-violent" march through the streets of Truro.

Jacqui said that in spite of the weather forecast, that the event had an "amazing" turnout.

She said: "It was touch and go last minute, we had banners and smoke grenades ready, so it was a bit touch and go with the weather forecast.

"The head count was 143 in the end, which I was delighted with."

"A lot of people were quite anxious. I was amazed with the reaction, lots of people were cheering us on from the streets.

"We didn't know how people were going to react to us, but people on the streets were getting involved.

"It was a great feeling for the people in the march, it was a very liberating moment - with the chants, the voices and the passion.

"It was quite phenomenal, we are still buzzing from it now."

Jacqui lives with her husband and three children in Probus, who are all vegan. She said: "I always thought people (in Cornwall) have a vision that animal activists and vegans are 'nutters', but looking back on it, it wasn't hostility, it was more intrigue and interest.

"The whole vision of vegans is that we are extremist, militant and violent, but its just a group of people who care and want to show the world why they care.

"The idea was that there are so many smaller groups who are passionate about animals across the county, but individually, they don't look overwhelming, but a platform where they all come together does."

The protest had attendees of all ages, with the youngest being around five and the oldest around 70.

The organiser said that having people from all ages seemed to trigger more of a response with the people in the city.

The protesters met in Victoria Gardens, Truro and were taken to Waterfall Gardens where a welcome speech and safety talk took place. They then made their way around the city following the one-way system.

There was a short interval at Lemon Quay where a minutes silence was held, which Jacqui said: "Was for all the animals that can't be helped and that were suffering at that very moment and can't be protected."

Nutritionist Jacqui said: "I really believe that this is the beginning of something big. A lot of people are very passionate, but they don't know how to express it.

"I'm hoping that people can come to an event where they feel safe.

"It's going to be every year, one week before the London march, so people who cant make it to London and want to represent animals in our home county can. It would be great if they can come.

"This was the time for us to let it all out. Its not about aggression, it's about passion which I think gets misconstrued.

"The movement is growing.

"The world is changing and we need to step up as individuals, but also as a county."

To find out more information about the animal rights activists in Cornwall visit the Facebook page.

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