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A national charity that promotes veganism has responded after a Nottingham teenager said campaign posters in the city were unsuitable for children.

Billboards displayed in Nottingham city centre and on bus stops by the charity, Viva! use the phrases 'What's your favourite animal (to eat)?' and 'When did you last kill an animal?'.

The posters are accompanied by pictures of domestic pets, such as a puppy, as well as typical farm animals, such as a calf.

Although the posters do not use gruesome imagery, and no formal complaints have been made, Joshua Barnes, 16, of St Ann's feels the type of language is wrong.

Joshua said he felt the posters were not appropriate, particularly for young children, who may not understand the concept of animal slaughter for consumption.

While in the city for an appointment, the year 11 student said: "It was the first time I'd seen them, and it was shocking.

"I understand what [the charity] is promoting, but I don't think children under a certain age will understand and it could be upsetting or cause them to question their parents.

"I think it should be a parent's choice whether they talk about the subject with them."

Joshua argued the posters are in busy city locations where potentially - outside of lockdown - there would be a number of children seeing the posters, especially those who use the bus for school usually.

"I don't think using the words 'kill' is needed, or referring to eating your pet. I know veganism is a growing trend but this is going about it the wrong way.

"I would want to know how someone at Viva! would speak to a child that was asking about killing animals."

poll loading Do you think the posters are too much? 2000+ VOTES SO FAR Yes - there's no need No - kids have a right to know

Nottinghamshire Live contacted the charity to put forward the questions and ask if any complaints had been made.

Juliet Gellatley, Viva! founder and director said: “Viva! has not received any complaints about the billboards. Quite the opposite!

"This campaign was designed by testing out different messaging on meat-eaters. We found that these two designs were most well-received, with many people finding them eye-catching and impactful.

"We placed the billboards at many sites throughout the East Midlands, with a focus on sites where people have a chance to absorb the message. We have received an outpouring of support for these billboards and, in fact, many people have asked us to extend to other areas.

"These billboards are just the beginning of a wider discussion. They do not have any upsetting imagery, but the challenging questions draw attention to pressing issues and help people make the connection between companion animals and animals we consider as food.

"As a mother myself, I found that being open and honest with children is the best way to discuss the reasons why some people eat meat and others choose veganism. I have always let my children make their own decisions and explore the ethics of eating animals - for welfare, health and environmental reasons.

“Viva! has been campaigning on vegan issues for 25 years and we have found that children and young adults are often the most well informed in society on the issues of factory farming, slaughter and the environmental damage caused by eating meat.

"It would be entirely wrong to try to pretend that meat doesn’t always involve slaughter, or to avoid telling children where meat comes from – these are basic facts. If it makes some people uncomfortable talking about food production, we should ask why? What is really going on here?

"Children need to know the truth about our world, it is their future, rather than hide facts from them, let’s empower them to save it.”