Facebook users responded with mixed opinions to the action with many pointing out the company already sells vegan alternatives.
Sabrina Stell wrote: “Don’t McDonald’s already do the Mcplant? Unlike many places they’re catering for a vegan diet. Be grateful and stop dictating to other what they can and can’t eat.”
But Catherine Sleigh commented: “It’s destroying our world. Plant based burgers can be indistinguishable from meat. Things have to change!”
The Exeter-based group is part of the AR movement that uses non-violent civil disobedience to bring about a transition to a just and sustainable plant-based food system, Devon Live reports. They believe a plant-based food system is necessary to halt mass extinction, alleviate the worst effects of climate breakdown and ensure justice for animals.
Phil Sleigh, a local climate activist and member of AR Devon, said: “The final part of the latest IPCC report told us that we are in a ‘now or never’ situation, and that emissions must stop rising by 2025. That’s 30 months away!
“The meat and dairy industries are responsible for 80-90 percent of Amazon deforestation, at least 18 percent of global emissions… To save ourselves and the future of our children, we must start transitioning towards a plant-based food system.”
The Animal Rebellion group were supported by the Exeter Extinction Rebellion drummers, who drew a crowd by playing outside the High Street branch
Great, peaceful action. McDonalds and all companies that are the main drivers of deforestation of the planet, and the killing of billions of animals should be taking action to end it.
