Animal rights activists have ended their protest after spending 24 hours chained by the neck to a town hall in a demonstration against “oppression of non-human animals”.

Three protesters shackled themselves to pillars at Brighton Town Hall at 4pm on Sunday, and remained there until Monday afternoon.

The Brighton chapter of Direct Action Everywhere (Dxe Brighton), which previously made headlines when one of its members spread fake blood inside a McDonald’s in the city, said it is calling on local government to demand that “basic rights” for animals be enshrined into law.

After spending a day and night chained to the town hall, one of the protesters said: “This action we intended to last for 24 hours or until we were arrested.

“We have reached the 24-hour mark, so we are now unlocking ourselves. This is only one action of many, as long as speciesism is present, we will be too.

“Join us in disrupting places of violence. Until all are free.”

One of the activists said on Sunday: “We are here today for all sentient beings, who are being oppressed by the unjust laws of a system that fails to represent them.

“We are calling on Brighton city council to show their support for an animal bill of rights and help this law be passed.

“An animal bill of rights needs to be implemented if we are to stop violence towards non-human animals.”

Animal rights protest
(DxE Brighton/PA)

Another of the activists said: “I’m willing to risk arrest and my job security to raise awareness of speciesism – the oppression of non-human animals upon which our current system is reliant.

“Will you take action? Will you join the social justice movement and fight for animal liberation? The time is now – will you stand on the right side of history?”

The group is expecting thousands around the world to take action between September 29 and October 5 as part of a Global Lockdown for Animal Rights.

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokesman said earlier: “Three protesters chained themselves to the pillars by the main entrance to Brighton Town Hall overnight.

“A small gathering of supporters is now also present. The protesters have said they are calling for the introduction of an animal bill of rights.

“The police have visited and confirmed this is a lawful protest. Staff and visitors can use the doors on the north side of the building while the protest continues.”