Animal rights activists protest outside Halifax abattoirs

The West Yorkshire Save group gathered outside Medina and J and E Medcalf in Holywell Green to highlight its plight.

Members hold peaceful ‘vigils’ for pigs, chicken, sheep and cows as they go to slaughter.

A spokeperson said: “We want to raise awareness. The public don’t really think about where their food comes from - we encourage people to come to the vigils to ‘meet their meat’.”

Campaigners held placards bearing slogans including “please allow us three minutes to say goodbye to the chickens” and “show some love to the chickens”.

Police were in attendance.

A spokesperson said: “Police were aware of a planned protest at Hollywell Green today were in attendance to ensure there was minimal disruption to the community.”