A PEACEFUL vigil to oppose the trading of animals was staged by activists.

Animal Save took placards and signs to Thames Market on August 11 in the hope of educating the public about the cruelty involved in animal agriculture.

Katie Harkins, an activist, said: "The Save Movement gives the animals the love and respect they deserve within this cruel industry, we let the animals know that they are not commodities or food but sentient beings.

"Animals are not here for us to abuse and kill for food and it is time that we open our hearts, save the environment, better our health and live vegan."

A vegan is a person who does not eat or use animal products, which includes eggs and cheese, unlike vegetarians who simply do not eat meat but do eat other animal products.

The campaign handed out leaflets while at the market, in North Street and engaged with locals who activists say 'engaged in conversation showing a genuine interest in veganism'.

Ms Harkins continued: "The Save Movement is comprised of groups around the world who bear witness of pigs, cows, chickens and other farmed animals suffering.

"Our goals are to raise awareness about the plight of farmed animals, to help people become vegan. "

The movement started in December 2010 and there are now more than 170 groups in Canada, The US, UK and Ireland, Australia, continental Europe, Hong Kong and South America.

To find out more about the campaign or what it means to be vegan, visit: http://thesavemovement.org