An unknown animal-rights graffiti artist has struck at McDonald's.

Shoppers walking past the fast food outlet in New Road, Gravesend, might now catch sight of a stencilled piece depicting a cow, strung up and hanging by one leg, alongside the words "for a moment of taste we close our eyes to suffering."

The Banksy style artwork was seen by regular Gravesend Messenger contributor Fraser Gray on Thursday night, and while it won't put off hardened burger fans, it's probably not what the fast food outlet would have chosen to decorate their building with.

It is not known who is responsible for the artwork and McDonald's has been approached for a comment.

Dawn Carr, Director of Vegan Corporate Projects with PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) backed the graffiti, which she said conveyed "a more useful message than the McDonald's ad slogans that mask the reality that burgers equal death.

"It lets everyone who sees it know that our fellows, other animals, endure miserable lives and terrifying deaths only to become the mouthfuls of flesh bought over the counter at McDonald's," she said. "Most people would prefer not to be reminded of this, but as PETA supporter Paul McCartney said, 'If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be vegetarian.'

But she added: "There's something wrong with being more perturbed by a bit of spray paint than by the industrialised mass killing of living beings. With all the fabulous vegan options available now – from innovative BBQ-jackfruit pizzas and celebrated vegan sausage rolls to seitan "chicken" – it's never been easier to choose kindness over killing, and PETA encourages everyone to reject needless violence by eating vegan."

But the sentiment wasn't backed by Gravesham Council, which issued the following statement: “Graffiti is vandalism. If graffiti is offensive we aim to remove it by the end of the next working day and other forms of graffiti within five working days. We will liaise with the property owners so that the graffiti is removed. We hope the property owners will take action and remove the graffiti quickly.”

If you're the unknown guerilla artist - or know who is - visit the Gravesend Messenger office or email gravesendmessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk.