The demonstration took place outside the Burford venue yesterday (26 August), with campaigners using a lifelike dog model on a barbecue under a sign reading: “Wouldn’t eat the farmer’s dog? Why eat a pig? Go vegan!”
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PETA said the stunt was intended to challenge customers to think differently about eating pigs and other animals.
The group also claimed the protest sparked “heated reactions” from some pubgoers, including one attendee knocking a camera from a PETA staff member’s hand.
Campaign message
PETA senior campaigns manager Kate Werner said: “Pigs are playful, intelligent individuals who feel pain and fear, love their families, and value their own lives, just like dogs do.
“Clarkson says he’s ‘always been fond of pigs’, and he, and other patrons, ought to put that fondness into practice and leave pigs off their plates. Because there’s no more reason to eat a pig than a dog.”
The Morning Advertiser (MA) has contacted the Farmer’s Dog for comment.
Previous stunt
The protest follows another PETA demonstration at Clarkson’s Farm Fest earlier this year, where a supporter dressed as a giant inflatable broccoli held a sign reading: “Support British farming: eat plants.”
Clarkson’s pub and drinks brand Hawkstone have previously leaned heavily into British farming messaging.
Earlier this month, Marston’s partnered with Hawkstone to launch a Hawkstone IPA and beef pie across 498 pubs.
Last week, Hawkstone Cider was added to the menu at Five Guys restaurants in the UK, alongside Hawkstone Premium Lager.
