PLACARD-waving demonstrators targeted a fast food restaurant yesterday in a protest about alleged animal cruelty.

The protest marked the second anniversary of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animal's (Peta) boycott of Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants worldwide.

The protestors in Stockton appealed to customers not to eat at KFC.

Activist Claire Nugent, of Stockton, said: "If we change the mind of just one person, we will have been successful.

"We have tried to speak to as many people as possible who were going into the restaurant and some agreed with our stance but others didn't."

Ten protestors were in the restaurant's car park in Well-ington Square, many wearing blood-splattered aprons and carrying rubber chickens.

Miss Nugent said: "We have tried to contact KFC but they just ignore all our letters and e-mails asking them to change their methods."

A company spokeswoman said: "KFC GB only represents a small part of the UK chicken supply and uses the same suppliers as other leading retailers. We are committed to poultry welfare and all our suppliers are regularly audited and meet or exceed UK and EU regulations on quality and welfare.

"We have been looking at the method of gas killing with our suppliers for some time."

She said some suppliers were already using the method.

Supporters of Peta's campaign include Sir Paul McCartney and the Dalai Lama