A group of vegan activists staged a protest in Hull city centre on Sunday to highlight what they say are the "cruel but legal" practices that happen in slaughterhouses all over the country.

The animal rights organisation Anonymous For The Voiceless Hull group hold an abolitionist stance on animal exploitation and specialise in street activism.

They stood in a square formation known as the "cube of truth" wearing masks and holding TV monitors which displayed footage of animals being harmed in meat factories. Some passers-by hurled abuse while others approached the team to find out more.

The mission of the 20-strong team was to educate the public on the harm that can be caused to animals in the meat, dairy and fish markets through everyday legal practices, as well as the negative impact that these products can have on the environment and on people's health.

The Cube of Truth
The Cube of Truth

Graphic footage was displayed in the 'Land of Hope and Glory' documentary of undercover footage showing animals being abused.

Commenting on the video, volunteer Alex Ras-Challis said: "We are here today to expose the reality of what is happening in slaughterhouses in the area, which is abuse of animals - something many people are unaware of, and a thing that often happens legally but behind the scenes.

"Many people are now disconnected from the meat, fish and dairy products and the process and our focus is on educating people during protests like this on how being vegan is better for their health, animals and the environment.

"It is a peaceful protest even though what we show is graphic - the cube of truth is a bit of an art form and the people with the monitors do not speak to anyone, that's the job of the outreach team that are also here to answer any questions people may have and to give out information.

Alex Ras-Challis and Becky Rose
Alex Ras-Challis and Becky Rose

"We promote a vegan diet and work with people towards the goal of becoming vegan."

During the two and a half hours that the group were in the city centre, they say they spoke to around 70 people who were interested in their cause and say that they will be back to promote their goal.

However, the team did also receive abuse from passers by.

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"Since going vegan, I wanted to spread the word about the need for people to change their diets for the good of animals, the environment and people's health," said volunteer Becky Rose.

"We do get sarcastic comments and hatred from people that see what we are doing such as 'get to Nandos', but we can deal with it.

"If you don't understand what we are doing, I can see how we can look intimidating to people, but we are all about promoting kindness and spreading peace."

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