Veggielovers barely escape arrest

A COUPLE of vegetarians narrowly avoided arrest in Dublin yesterday for a display of bare-bottomed cheek.

The incident arose after two US members of the animal welfare group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), stripped down to their underwear to promote vegetarianism in Dublin city centre.

The pair, Bethany Walker and Ravi Chand from Virginia, proceeded to hug and kiss on a makeshift bed at the junction of Henry Street and O’Connell Street, while another member of the group held up a banner proclaiming “Vegetarians make better lovers”.

However, the bold display prompted mixed reaction from bemusement to disgust from a large crowd of by-standers which quickly aroused the attention of a number of passing gardaí.

They quickly brought a halt to the proceedings by warning the participants that they were creating a public nuisance.

The gardaí cautioned the demonstrators that they faced being arrested for failing to comply with a direction of a member of the force. They were also warned that they could be prosecuted with a potential fine of e635 and a six-month jail term if they failed to move along.

Afterwards, PETA spokesperson, John Carmody defended the nature of the event, claiming the group’s members were wearing the same type of clothing that could be seen on Irish beaches on any summer’s day.

“We are just trying to let people know in a fun and entertaining manner that those who eat meat suffer more from impotence,” he said.