Hunt Saboteurs Association Press Release
Date: 11 December 2004

Saboteur's wrist broken in attack at Essex Hunt

A hunt saboteur was taken to Colchester hospital today (11 December 2004)
after his wrist was broken in two places in an attack carried out by a
terrierman with the Essex Hunt. The 33 year old saboteur from Essex may
need to undergo surgery. Meanwhile a hunt supporter was arrested at the
High Peak Harriers in Derbyshire.

Saboteurs had attended the Essex Hunt meet at Tile House Farm, Thaxted to
use hunting horns and scent dulling sprays to prevent the hunt from killing
foxes. At the start of the day, the huntsmen said to some of the saboteurs
"You're going to get f***ing hurt today". Threats of violence continued and
saboteurs were deliberately ridden into by hunters on horses.

At about 11.30 a.m. the huntsman and whipper in started hitting saboteurs
over the head with their whips. The terrierman for the hunt dismounted from
a quad bike and approached the saboteurs armed with a cudgel. Whilst
lashing out with the weapon, he struck one of the saboteurs on the wrist. A
paramedic was called to the scene but the injured saboteur had to attend
hospital.

The police were called and informed of the incident but declined to take any
action until the injury was confirmed and a statement can be made by the
victim. They have informed local saboteurs that they intend to arrest a
terrierman in connection with the incident.

At a meet of the High Peak Harriers near Buxton in Derbyshire, a saboteur
who had received stitches to a head wound following an attack on her at that
hunt on 27 November was told by a hunt supporter he would give her stitches
in the other side of her head as he approached her with his stick raised.
He then verbally abused her in front of police officers and was arrested.
There were 5 police cars and a helicopter in the air for approximately 2
hours.

Hunt Saboteurs Association spokesperson Nathan Brown said "Since the Hunting
Act was passed on 18 November we have received reports of attacks on
saboteurs every week. It is no surprise given the 'fighting talk' of the
Countryside Alliance. We can only expect these attacks to increase when the
hunting ban comes into place in February and their activities are illegal.
We will not be deterred from saving animals' lives." Commenting on the use
of a helicopter at the High Peak Harriers he said "If these resources can be
made available to monitor the activities of saboteurs, we expect them to be
used to pursue people who hunt illegally after 18th February".

Notes for Editors:
Last week at the neighbouring Essex Farmers and Union Hunt joint meet with
the East Essex Hunt at Roundbush near Maldon, several saboteurs were
injured
in attacks and one received a suspected broken nose.

For further information see HSA website at www.huntsabs.org.uk or call
Nathan Brown 07815 313181



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