Hunt saboteurs Association Press Release. 17th March 2013

On Saturday 16th of March as part of a clearly planned attack saboteurs from the Essex and Suffolk group were attacked. Using sticks tipped with metal supporters of the hunt assaulted and beat the saboteurs aiming in particular for the person carrying the video camera, smashing it beyond use. Saboteurs were also kicked and punched in the head in the sustained attacked.

Following this incident the hunt chased a fox to earth into a badger sett and proceeded to dig into the sett in breach of both the Protection of badgers act 1993 and the Hunting act 2004. Saboteurs on the scene were again attacked with spades and multiple assaults were committed, resulting in many injuries such as pictured. Essex police responded to a 999 call with four vehicles and a helicopter and acted on the clearly visible injuries by arresting a saboteur for breach of the peace, although no charges were pressed. On request for action to their assaults they were told by police in attendance to report them to a police station later.

Lee Moon of the hunt Saboteurs Association stated:

“Faced with a clear breach of animal welfare law and numerous assaults to hunt saboteurs, Essex police responded by blaming the victims and ignoring the crimes against wildlife. They seem to be acting in the time honoured stance of turning a blind eye to hunt violence and animal cruelty. It’s about time Essex police started realising that times have changed and the public expects these criminal acts to be treated the same as if they were in the high street on Saturday.”

Crime reference: Essex Police 540160313

Twitter: @EssexPoliceUK





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