Jeremy Clarkson targeted by Peta as activists descend on pub with shocking ‘dog barbecue’ stunt

The slogan read: “Wouldn’t eat the farmer’s dog? Why eat a pig!”

According to Peta, the intention behind the graphic display was to “inspire thought for food” by forcing passers-by to confront the distinction people draw between animals they consider companions and those they regard as food.

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Mr Clarkson, who has long been vocal in his disdain for veganism, has so far made no public comment on the demonstration.

An activist wearing a chef’s apron stood behind the mock grill, tongs in hand, positioned as if ready to turn the realistic-looking canine, flanked by bottles of ketchup and mustard for added effect.

Peta’s senior campaigns manager Kate Werner explained the rationale in a piece on the organisation’s website: “Many of us are raised to mindlessly consider some animals ‘friends’ and some animals ‘food’, but when we really stop to think about it, a pig’s life is no less valuable than a puppy’s, and neither belong on our plates.”

Ms Werner argued that pigs are “playful, intelligent individuals who feel pain and fear, love their families, and value their own lives, just like dogs do”.

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She added: “Clarkson says he’s ‘always been fond of pigs’, and he and other patrons ought to put that fondness into practice and leave pigs off their plates.

“Because there’s no more reason to eat a pig than a dog.”

Mr Clarkson has never hidden his contempt for plant-based diets.

Following heart surgery in 2024, a social media user suggested his well-known love of steak may have contributed to his health problems.

We fired up a ‘dog BBQ’ outside Jeremy Clarkson’s pub and some people were outraged 🔥
Wouldn’t eat the Farmer’s Dog? Why eat a pig?
Pigs feel pain and fear, love their families, and value their lives – just like dogs do.
There’s no difference. Go vegan. pic.twitter.com/Jxvm8Ux30v

— PETA UK (@PETAUK) August 26, 2026

He responded: “Better than dying of vegetable-induced boredom.”

This is not the first time Peta has targeted the farmer.

In May, a Peta supporter dressed as a giant piece of broccoli disrupted the inaugural Farm Fest at Stoneleigh Park as Mr Clarkson drove a tractor through the event.

The activist stepped into the path of the vehicle while holding a sign promoting veganism before being intercepted by security.

At Christmas, the organisation dispatched a blood-spattered festive jumper they dubbed a “Christmassacre” design, adorned with images of slaughtered pigs arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree.

Alongside the jumper, they sent a children’s book called The Secret Lives of Animals, filled with disturbing illustrations of skinned rabbits, laboratory mice subjected to product testing, and a captive dolphin.

Peta’s Vice President of Programmes, Elisa Allen said the book was straightforward enough that “even someone who mourns the death of their family dog but calls vegans ‘lunatics’ for caring about the mass slaughter of billions of chickens, pigs, and cows can understand the message.”

Mr Clarkson’s farming ventures have previously attracted protests from other animal rights groups.

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In 2024, campaigners gathered outside Diddly Squat Farm Shop and his Hawkstone Brewery amid anger over fox hunting and badger culling.

The demonstrations followed controversy over Mr Clarkson allowing the Heythrop Hunt to use his land, with protesters calling on the former Top Gear presenter to prohibit hunts from his estate permanently.

Campaigners also demanded that Mr Clarkson protect badger setts on his land and oppose the culling of badgers as part of efforts to tackle bovine tuberculosis.