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 turned up. They are currently investigating the incident.
One of the main attackers is a key member of the hunt, and is often involved in handling the bird of prey, which the hunt haul around all day as an excuse for their illegal hunting. He used a heavy length of chain to attack saboteurs, not the first time he’s been implicated in such attacks.
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 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 communities terrible reputation.”
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