AN activist has given up her city job to concentrate on her mission to change the world of animal rights.

Jenny Canham, 27, of Bydford Close, in Rayleigh, is a co-organiser of the group Essex Pig Save, which holds regular peaceful protests outside Cheale Meats, in Brentwood.

The aim of the group is to show compassion to the pigs before they enter the slaughterhouse, and to take important photos and footage which are then widely shared on social media pages.

An ex-pupil of the FitzWimarc School, in Rayleigh, Jenny has had a passion for animal rights since a young age and will be travelling to Toronto next week, where she previously visited to work with Toronto Pig Save, attending vigils where she was able to bear witness to pigs, cows, lambs and chickens that were arriving at slaughterhouses around the city.

She has quit her admin job at an accountancy firm and plans to make money through freelance work.

Anita Krajnc, co-organiser of Toronto Pig Save, had been charged with criminal mischief in June 2015 after feeding water to dehydrated pigs on route to slaughter. Jenny worked with a team of people to promote this case worldwide, and will be going to Toronto to help once again.

She said: “I want to help to share this story as widely as possible, it’s something that’s really important to me. I know that most people will struggle to understand how this has come to a possible prison sentence, just for a simple act of compassion. Anita is an incredible activist and has done so much for animals.”

Jenny is working with the Canadian group to share updates right up until the final decision. Other Save groups throughout the world will also be holding solidarity vigils to show their support.

She added: “This trial points out how pigs are viewed as property, when we know them to be sentient beings, each with individual personalities. They are so much more than just the somebody’s property. Studies have shown that pigs are even more intelligent than dogs, and as intelligent as a three-year-old child.

“I hope that more people will begin to make the connection and love all animals, not just those we share our homes with.”