Mickey Mouse had his tail between his legs yesterday - after being arrested by police and led away in handcuffs.

Also taken into custody outside Disneyland in Anaheim, Los Angeles, were Cinderella, Snow White, and Tinkerbell.

It happened as workers at the theme park - dubbed the Happiest Place on Earth - staged a demonstration over pay and conditions.

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Mickey in irons: A protesting hotel employee dressed as Mickey Mouse outside Disneyland in California

The arrest of 32 costumed protesters came at the end of an hour-long march from one of three Disney-owned hotels.

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Cartoon capers: Snow White is taken away by an officer

Bewildered tourists looked on as the cartoon characters were led to two police vans while hundreds of fellow employees cheered and chanted.

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The dispute involves 2,300 maids, bellhops, cooks and dishwashers at three Disney-owned hotels.

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Protest: Mickey in action before his arrest

Their contract expired in February and their union says Disney's latest proposal makes health care unaffordable and creates an unfair two-tier wage system.

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Roundup: Peter Pan also felt the long arm of the law

Disney said it is in negotiations with the union and nothing has been finalised.Before the arrests, the picketers marched and chanted outside Paradise Pier, holding signs that read, 'Disney is unfaithful,' and 'Mickey, shame on you.'

They were joined by community activists and religious leaders from local churches.

Anger: Protesters are furious about new work contracts

Luz Vasquez, who works in the bakery at Disneyland Hotel, said she can't afford to lose many of her benefits.

'Disneyland is being unfair with us because we're fighting for our health care and they're trying to take it away,' said Vasquez, 45.