A CORNWALL animal rights group staged a candle-lit vigil outside Truro Cathedral to highlight animal cruelty and encourage people to think twice before buying a Christmas turkey.

Deborah Rylatt, of Newquay, a member of Cornwall's Saving Animals from Exploitation group, held the evening vigil in support of the International Animal Rights Day, organised by the UK organisation Uncaged.

The fund-raising event was aimed at raising awareness of the suffering caused to thousands of animals due to what Mrs Rylatt called "modern intensive farming practices and laboratory testing".

'Slaughtered'

"Paul McCartney attended the Copenhagen summit to promote a vegetarian diet, which is better for the environment, better for animals and better for people's health," said Mrs Rylatt.

"The festive season is a time for peace and goodwill, but it is a time when millions of animals are slaughtered for the table; many of which have been bred in awful conditions."

Mrs Rylatt is advocating a meat-free diet and is calling on people to support animal friendly products where possible. As reported, the LUSH shop in Truro is also supporting the Uncaged and SAFE campaigns.

For more information go to www.uncaged.co.uk