Hunt Saboteurs Association Press Release 20th of November 2013
Libby Gilbert ex-Master and huntsman of the Royal Agricultural College Beagles, has evaded a Hunting Act charge by fleeing to America. Charges against the 21 year old were dropped following her second failure to attend Swindon Magistrates Court on 12th November.
Hunt saboteurs have attended several meets of Gilbert’s pack in recent years and have stopped them illegally hunting on evey occasion.
HSA Press Officer Lee Moon explained, “While the courts fail our wildlife, hunt saboteurs on the ground have had a great start to this season’s campaign against hare hunting. Already we have caused the cancellation of Eton College’s hunters training day, monitored the Alston Hare Hunting Week and disrupted meets of the Palmer Marlborough, Old Berkeley, North Warwickshire Beagles and the Four Shires Bassets.”
The HSA will continue to prioritise hare hunts this season.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
(1) Beagling is the practice of hunting the brown hare with a pack of beagles. The hounds are followed on foot by hunt supporters.
(2) There are 68 beagle packs operating in Britain today.
(3) Since the hunting ban beagle packs have become extremely secretive about their activities. The HSA believes illegal hunting of hares is widespread amongst beagle packs.
The government has launched a public consultation on Trail Hunting – this is our chance to stop cruel hunting for good. You can read the HSA’s guidance and take part in the consultation here. The deadline is 18th June 2026 – make sure your voice is heard.
Take part in the Trail Hunting Consultation now:
Support our vital work by becoming a member.
We are the only organisation that works directly in the field to save wildlife through direct action.
