Vegan activists to stage mass protests outside Costa Coffee shops this weekend - including in Manchester

Vegan activists will stage demonstrations outside Costa Coffee shops nationwide this weekend in a protest against the dairy industry. Campaigners will gather in major cities - including Manchester - on Saturday (March 11).

The protest has been organised by UK-based vegan charity Viva! and follows an 'immensly successful' similar day of action earlier this year, campaigners say.

It will see activists stood outside the coffee shops, such as the one on Market Street, armed with pamphlets and placards in a bid to 'educate' customers and passers-by about the dairy industry and plant based alternatives like oat, soya and almond milk.

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Viva! recently released footage from their undercover investigation into a Red Tractor assured dairy farm, contracted to Freshways, who supply milk to Costa Coffee. As part of the their investigation, Viva! claim to have found cows that were emaciated, lame and struggling to walk, while others were manhandled, slapped and shoved.

Red Tractor responded to the allegations saying having visited the farm, they were 'satisfied' the claims 'are unfounded'.

Viva!’s founder and director Juliet Gellatley said: "We’re taking to the streets to educate people about the dairy industry: one that profits from exploitation and suffering.

"We’ll be having judgement-free, positive conversations with Costa Coffee customers, helping them see that dairy alternatives are delicious, and don’t involve suffering.”

A spokesperson for Red Tractor said: "Upon reviewing the footage provided by Viva! and following the completion of a spot check of the farm, Red Tractor can confirm that the dairy farm scheme member is in compliance with Red