Lush anti-greyhound racing event at Peterborough store prompts counter-protest

The cosmetics store welcomed greyhound protection group C.A.G.E.D to its new store in the shopping centre on Friday where signs criticising Peterborough Greyhound Stadium in Fengate were put on display.

But in response, dog racing supporters held their own ‘counter-protest’ which even included complimentary entry vouchers being handed out to shoppers in Queensgate by the stadium’s mascot Rocket the Hare.

A spokesperson for Lush said: “Lush has a long history of supporting animal protection organisations, of which some campaign against the greyhound racing industry.

“On March 6 we hosted a Charity Pot event in our Peterborough shop with C.A.G.E.D Nationwide who came in to inform our customers about their work to protect greyhounds and about how greyhounds are treated for the purpose of racing.

“Lush’s Charity Pot hand and body lotion supports grassroots organisations that align with our ethics in the areas of environmental conservation, animal welfare and human rights.

“The feedback to the event has mostly been very positive apart from a few comments on social media and three people outside our shop handing out flyers to promote the race on Saturday and trying to block people from entering.”

Lush is known for its high profile campaigns, which last year included one on spy cops who infiltrated animal rights groups.

The cosmetics chain recently moved into a new store in Queensgate.

Richard Perkins, chief executive of Peterborough Greyhound Stadium, said: “We were made aware of the anti-greyhound sign by some of our customers so thought it would be fun to hold a counter-protest by sending our mascot, Rocket the Hare, plus other staff, to engage with Queensgate customers too and hand out complimentary entry vouchers!”