Linda Bean’s Maine Kitchen and Topside Tavern in Freeport was the site of a demonstration Saturday afternoon by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), who claim that Bean’s Rockland processing company inhumanely mutilates live lobsters.

The dozen or so demonstrators from PETA were separated from the entrance of the restaurant by police barricades as tourists and locals strolled by and wondered what the fuss was all about.

“I love animals, but I’m not sure if that includes lobsters,” said Josh Arnedt, a Bath resident who was shopping with his family. “In fact, I’m planning on having a lobster roll today.”

In addition to the PETA protestors, a few individuals engaged in a counter demonstration by holding signs charging the organization with killing Maine jobs.

“To me this is ridiculous,” said Maria Burgess, who was one of three anti-PETA demonstrators. “My parents had a seafood business for 35 years and I don’t think what PETA is saying about the processing is fair.”

The demonstration lasted until 1:30 p.m. and police reported no incidents.