Vegans storm steak restaurant as part of animal rights protest

'It's not food, it's violence', activists chant

A group of vegan activists stormed an Australian to protest against cruelty to animals.

Chanting slogans and waving posters about animal suffering, the 35 demonstrators made their presence felt in Melbourne's Rare Steakhouse.

Video of the protest shows the activists, from Direct Action Everywhere Melbourne and Melbourne Cow Save, as they enter the two-storey restaurant.

In a later Facebook post, the latter group said they had entered the restaurant "speak up for animals where their dead bodies were being consumed".

It added: "In order to create change in our society, we must challenge current belief systems and force people to take a side; oppression or justice, cruelty or compassion.

"There is no humane way to kill someone who does not want to die. Always speak up loud and strong for those sentient beings who are oppressed. They need us to."

In the footage, diners can be seen continuing their meals and filming the protest as the protesters chant: "It's not food, it's violence."

One of the restaurant's managers said some customers were "very emotional upset" while others could "laugh it off."

After the protesters were led outside by the police, they held their placards to the restaurant's windows and continued chanting.

A spokesperson for Victoria Police told News.com.au that the protesters left the restaurant "peacefully" when asked to do so by the managers.

"There were no arrests and no injuries," they said.

On its website, Rare Steakhouse says it chooses its meat based on its impact on the environment and uses sustainable farming practices.