Hunt saboteurs have been attacked by members of the Cottesmore Hunt at their meet in Burrough On the Hill, Leicestershire. The attackers used chains and lengths of wood in the unprovoked attack after being stopped from illegally chasing and killing foxes.
Leicestershire Police were called and five vehicles arrived on the scene. They are currently investigating the incident.
Photographs of the attack are available on the Hunt Saboteurs Association website.
Activists present claim that the attacker has been implicated in similar incidents of violence in the past, and regularly takes part in hunts around the local area.
Lee Moon, Spokesperson for the Hunt Saboteurs Association, commented: “On the 12th anniversary of the Hunting Act illegal hunting and violent assaults still occur throughout the hunting season. We’re pleased Leicestershire Police responded in this instance but if police forces enforced the hunting act in the first place then these attacks wouldn’t happen as hunt saboteurs wouldn’t be needed.”
“The Cottesmore [Hunt, a hunting supporters’ club] will now attempt to distance themselves from this cowardly attack but we know that one of the main attackers is a key member of the hunt and often handles their bird of prey. Saboteurs have also been attacked at the Surrey Union Hunt today and the video of this incident will further add to the hunting community’s terrible reputation.”
