AN IPSWICH animal rights launched a 'surpies' attack on a leading pork manufacturer to make sure he had a pig of a day.Charlie McKenzie, 24, landed a cream pie – made out of tofu – in the face of Raoul Baxter, president of Smithfield Foods Europe, one of the world's leading pig producers.

AN IPSWICH animal rights launched a 'surpies' attack on a leading pork manufacturer to make sure he had a pig of a day.

Charlie McKenzie, 24, landed a cream pie – made out of tofu – in the face of Raoul Baxter, president of Smithfield Foods Europe, one of the world's leading pig producers.

She said: "I walked up to him quite calmly. I kept the pie in front of me and then put it straight in his face.

"I couldn't see the expression on his face because it was covered in pie. I imagine he would have been quite shocked."

Charlie, from Colchester Road, Ipswich yelled 'Meat pimp!' at Mr Baxter, who was due to speak at the World Pork Congress in Birmingham.

She was arrested just after the attack and taken to Birmingham police station where she wasn't charged.

Charlie is a member of London-based People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, PETA, which campaigns against cruelty in pork production.

She said: "Most piglets are reared in overcrowded, often filthy, factory-farm conditions. They typically suffer skeletal problems and diseases of the legs and feet. Pneumonia, meningitis and dysentery are commonplace.

"Sows are moved to farrowing crates where they give birth in barren stalls with metal contraptions which separate mothers from young, allowing only the necessary feeding and not giving enough room for the mothers to nuzzle their babies.

"After just three to four weeks, the piglets are taken from their mothers to be fattened for bacon, pork or ham. Many pigs have their throats cut while fully conscious."

Mr Baxter, president of Smithfield Foods Europe, who was on the receiving end of the stunt at the Birmingham International Convention Centre on Friday, reportedly said "It tastes nice, I can't wait for lunch".

The World Food Congress was a gathering of key industry figures to discuss the future of pig production and marketing over the next decade. It was organised by the Meat and Livestock Commission/British Pig Executive and the International Meat Secretariat.

A spokesman for the West Midlands Police confirmed that a woman was arrested, allegedly for assault. He said no complaint was made and she was released without charge.