New video footage captures the moment enraged customers at Sainsbury’s attempted to use their shopping carts to confront protesters obstructing the store’s aisles.
In Portswood, near Southampton, a group of seven activists from Animal Rising staged a demonstration in the meat section of the supermarket. They sat on the floor with legs crossed, displaying a banner criticizing the RSPCA’s Assured scheme, which certifies farms for their animal welfare practices. The protesters refused to let any shoppers pass, leading to tensions with shoppers who voiced their displeasure, threatening to push through with their trolleys.
Despite being urged by a man to move aside politely, the activists stood their ground, emphasizing their protest’s purpose. The confrontation continued as other shoppers insisted that the demonstrators make way, resorting to threatening to push them with their shopping carts.
Store staff and security personnel approached the group, but the activists remained steadfast in their position until the end of the video. Animal Rising stated that their protest aimed to raise awareness about the perceived inadequacies of the RSPCA Assured scheme in safeguarding animal welfare.
Hampshire Police confirmed their presence at the supermarket on the day of the incident but found no significant issues necessitating further police action. A Sainsbury’s spokesperson expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to customers during the disruption at their Southampton Portswood store.
On social media, Animal Rising highlighted the impact of their peaceful protest at Sainsbury’s, noting that it garnered attention to the alleged animal cruelty within the RSPCA Assured scheme. The group emphasized their commitment to spreading awareness through various non-violent actions at Sainsbury’s and M&S outlets across England over the weekend.
While acknowledging that such demonstrations might irk some shoppers, Animal Rising reiterated their belief that most consumers seeking RSPCA Assured products would be appalled by the reported animal suffering within the scheme. The group called for the RSPCA to uphold its core values of protecting all forms of life, expressing hope for a reevaluation by the charity by 2025.