LOCAL animal rights activists picketed the Prestwich branch of Sainsbury's as part of a national campaign against the supermarket chain.

Viva!, which has groups across the country, is protesting about the sale of kangaroo meat in the stores.

It claims kangaroos are killed in barbaric circumstances and the practice will ultimately lead to extinction.

The Prestwich branch does not stock the meat, but local campaigners want to add to national pressure for the chain to withdraw kangaroo meat from sale.

Sainsbury's is now the last national chain store selling kangaroo meat.

National director for Viva!, Juliet Gellatley, said: "The time to act is now, while we can still save them.

"We should hit them where it hurts - the wallet."

Manager of the Prestwich store, Mr John Wilcox, said: "Kangaroo meat is sold in only a few Sainsbury's stores. It's part of the increased choices to the customer.

"I can assure customers that kangaroos are not killed in the manner suggested. We use reputable suppliers who operate within laws laid down by the Australian Government. We do, however, believe that people have the right to peaceful protest."

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