A demonstration is planned against the Australian theme pub, Walkabout Inn, Broad Street, Birmingham on Saturday March 11th at 12 noon 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 four years.

"Kangaroos are shot in the wild by marksmen who have no proven ability to kill cleanly and swiftly," says Viva! Midlands representative David Crouch. "We have footage from Australia showing animals being shot through the neck or throat. Bleeding but still conscious, a hind leg is then sliced open and a hook pushed through the gash. The animals are hung up until their life-blood drains out of them. 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 is 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 Mr. Crouch "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 Viva! headquarters on 01273 777688.

Editor's Note: Demonstrators will be holding banners saying “Walkabout Wildlife Killers” and “Kangaroo - no thank you!” and handing out flyers. Sainsbury, Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons, Somerfield and Booker cash and carry and Booths have all dropped 'exotic' meats as a result of Viva!'s campaign.