A demonstration is planned against the Australian theme pub, Walkabout Inn at its Grand Opening in West Street on Thursday, May 6th at 11am by animal rights campaigners who are shocked that the pub offers wild animals on their menu. The decision to serve kangaroo, crocodile steaks and emu burgers has angered many people including the vegetarian charity Viva! who have been running a campaign against the sale of 'exotic' meats in this country over the past three years.

"Kangaroos are shot in the wild by marksmen who have no proven ability to kill cleanly and swiftly," says Viva!'s director Juliet Gellatley. "In fact we have footage from Australia showing animals shot through the neck or throat, a hind leg is sliced and a hook pushed through the gash. Fully conscious, they are hung upside down while their life-blood drains away. As for the unwanted joeys, they are stamped on, smashed against the wheel brace or left to die of starvation in the bush. The industry in indescribably cruel and completely unnecessary."

According to Dr Ian Gunn from the Animal Gene Storage & Resource Centre of Australia, his country's wildlife record is the worst in the world. Six kangaroo species have already become extinct and 17 are classed as endangered or vulnerable. The nine remaining abundant species are being killed in their millions each year.

For farmed emus and crocodiles the future looks just as bleak. Stress, stereotypic behaviour and physical problems are rife. Crocodiles are purposefully crammed into small areas because research has shown that when overcrowded crocodiles recognise the futility of fighting for space. Emus never come to terms with their confinement and the stress of it can lead the birds to starve themselves to death. Skeletomuscular and stomach impactions from ingesting inedible matter are also common.

"We have no hesitation in condemning the peddling of such misery" states Ms Gellatley "and we know from our campaigns that the British public feel just as strongly. With 75 per cent of the world's species in decline or facing extinction it is essential we bring an end to the sale of all 'exotic' meats and encourage a morality in retailing. The Walkabout Inn must know that their trade in wildlife is simply unacceptable."

For further information, please contact Juliet Gellatley on 01273 777688.

Editor's Note: Demonstrators wearing kangaroo costumes and holding banners saying "Viva! does give a XXXX for wildlife" will be handing out flyers.

Sainsbury, Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons, Somerfield and Booker cash and carry and Booths have all dropped 'exotic' meats as result of Viva!'s three-year long campaign.