Animal rights activists barbecue fake dog to persuade Dublin shoppers to go vegan

Animal rights activists barbecued a fake dog in a protest in Dublin earlier today.

Members of the PETA group said people were happy to eat animals traditionally kept as livestock, but not pets.

Spokesman John Carmody said they hope to change the minds of people shopping for groceries by persuading them to go vegan.

Mr Carmody said: "What we all have in common is that we all are made of flesh and blood, that including dogs, cats, cows and sheep. The lot.

"And I think that this is what it is about, you wouldn't eat a dog, so why would you eat a cow or a pig or a sheep?"

"When it comes to the capacity to suffer and feel pain and fear, a dog is no different from a pig, a chicken, or a cow," said PETA Director Elisa Allen.

"PETA is urging anyone repulsed by the prospect of chowing down on dog meat to extend that compassion to all other animals and go vegan."