St Valentine’s Day Massacre for foxes
Surrey Police were accused of acting as a private security force for a hunt as they arrested 7 hunt saboteurs at the Surrey Union Hunt today. Up to 30 police formed a protective ring around terriermen digging out a terrified fox that had taken refuge in an earth. The incident took place after the hunt had finished on the Hampton Estate near Farnham in Surrey.

Saboteurs at the scene reported the police arresting "anyone they could grab" for alleged Aggravated Trespass. One protestor videoing the arrests had his video tape seized. The fox was dug out and shot in front of the police and remaining saboteurs.

Hunt Saboteurs Association (HSA) spokesperson, Nathan Brown, said " We hold every policeman present responsible for the torture and death of a wild animal at the hands of the hunt. They could not have helped more short of digging the fox out themselves. The police today made a clear decision whose side they were on and dropped any pretence of unbiased policing. The fact that it happened when the hunt were on the land of a former High Sheriff stinks of corruption."

This will put an end to Surrey Police’s cost-saving liaison with hunt saboteurs. The HSA spokesperson added: "This means the end of any co-operation with Surrey Police, and as a result they should expect their policing costs to rocket. Last season, Surrey Police failed to uphold a conviction against any of the many hunt saboteurs they arrested. This is an abuse of power and position to prevent us saving animals' lives."

Notes to Editors:-
The arrested protestors were taken to Guildford police station, currently at the centre of allegations of officers committing rape.

The owner of the Hampton estate, Bill Biddell, was High Sheriff of Surrey from 2001 to 2002, when he handed over to Penelope Keith.

The Hampton estate is due to hold an open day for the Countryside Foundation for Education (CFE) in April. The CFE is an "educational charity" whose trustees include the Chairman of the Masters of Foxhounds Association, Lord Daresbury, and the Master & huntsman of the North Penine Foxhounds, Michael Tones. . See  http://www.countrysidefoundation.org.uk/Events/EstateDays/Hampton/hamptonmain.htm for more information.

For on the spot witness comments, please call Aubrey Thomas 07973 857852
Further HSA info: www.huntsabs.org.uk or call Press Officer Nathan Brown 07815 313181

ENDS