The most-attended Official Animal Rights March in London thus far saw 12,000 protesters take to the streets to walk for animal justice and liberation.

It was a sight to behold, as the crowd of passionate animal rights protesters wielding banners, signs and placards commandeered the streets of London for Saturday’s Official Animal Rights March.

The march, organised by animal rights organisation Surge and the volunteer movement Animal Rebellion, saw a record-breaking number of activists attend compared to the event’s previous marches. The non-violent protest took the march through London from Hyde Park towards Parliament Square, making a stop at Trafalgar Square to blockade the central location for almost an hour. Talking to The Metro, Dan Kidby, a spokesperson for Animal Rebellion, adds: “Animal Rebellion’s message to the public, policymakers and the future citizen’s assembly is that we need to urgently end the industries of animal farming and fishing, and transition to a plant-based food system in order to avert climate breakdown, mass extinction and ensure justice for farmed animals.”

Animal rebellion are planning a two-week blockade of Smithfield Meat Market from October 7th this year, and are expecting around 10,000 people to take part in their demonstration of a united stand against animal use.

Speakers at the march this year included Earthling Ed and director of Vegan Round The World, James Hoot. The crowds were encouraged to continue to be active in the fight for animal liberation from human use.

Reflecting upon the event via Facebook, Surge added: “One of the main goals of this march is to inspire vegans to speak up everyday against animal oppression and become active. To unite the community and to bring together the movement in a positive, inspiring and uplifting day. This community is powerful, strong and can achieve so much when we all work together to make our voices heard both on the streets and online.”

A preliminary date for next year’s march is to be announced soon.

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Image one and two credit: REX via The Metro

Image three credit: The Official Animal Rights March, Surge, via Facebook