ANIMAL rights protesters have taken to the roof of the Darlington Farmers Mart in protest against what they say is an industry that 'violates' animals.
At 4am this morning (Saturday May 28), animal rights activists from the Animal Justice Project climbed the roof of the flagship National Beef Association (NBA) 2022 Expo with 15 metre banners and flares.
Read more: LIVE: Darlington Darlington Farmers Mart rooftop protest
The industry event, hosted at Darlington Farmers Auction Mart (DFAM), is the largest of its kind in the UK - with agricultural industry leaders, DEFRA representatives and 5,000 beef farmers expected to attend over the weekend.
Animal Justice Project has targeted the Expo to call for an end to animal agriculture due to what they say is a 'violation of animal rights'.
The stunt has caused chaos and one activist has been taken to hospital with a suspected broken finger in an alleged assault by those trying to remove them.
Police are present on the scene but no arrests have been made.
Read more: Animal rights activists stage rooftop protest at Darlington Famers Mart
Mark Dent, chairman of the Mart, said he ‘has no time’ for protestors who cover their faces, trespass and commit criminal damage to get their message across.
He said: “The police will not remove them because they say how can we do that without putting themselves at risk. And they said they won’t come down willingly so they can’t forcibly remove them without putting them and the police at risk.”
Mr Dent said protesters’ actions aren’t spoiling the day and that their message is ‘falling on deaf ears’ here. He branded the group’s actions as ‘a publicity stunt’ and said that farmers attending the Expo are simply laughing at them.
Take a look at pictures from the protest below
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