AMMAN, Sunday 25 July 2010 (AFP) - An animal rights activist dressed in an all-lettuce gown never got to promote her pro-vegetarian message after Jordanian police said the one-woman demo was not authorised.

Moments after Amina Tariq, a member of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), arrived in Amman's Rainbow Street she was escorted by police to a nearby restaurant, where she changed and was taken to the police station.

The Jordanian Muslim "lettuce lady" carried a placard reading, "Let Vegetarianism Grow on You," as curious people gathered at the scene.

"She failed to obtain permission to demonstrate as required by law," one of the policemen told AFP. But she was not expected to be arrested or fined.

"We are asking people to turn over a new leaf and go vegetarian," a PETA statement quoted Tariq as saying before the protest.

"With so many delicious alternatives to meat available, it's easier than ever to enjoy great food without causing animal suffering," she said.

PETA said that "much of the world's water supply is quietly being diverted to animal agriculture."

"Even desert nations in Africa and the Middle East are pouring what little water they have into meat production.

"Each day, animal agriculture consumes a shocking 2.5 trillion litres (550 billion gallons) of water -- enough for everyone in the world to take eight showers," the statement said.