On Sat 16th October 2010 members of the South West hunt saboteurs were out monitoring the Chilmark and Clifton Foot beagle hunt at Emborough, near Midsomer Norton, Somerset. They were present at the hunt to monitor for evidence of illegal hunting and to present any such evidence to the police.
Whilst standing on a public footpath watching the hunt, the group of eight anti-hunt protesters, made up of men and women, were approached by five vehicles whose number plates had been obscured with mud. Approximately a dozen men jumped out of the vehicles and proceeded to attack the hunt saboteurs shouting “get the cameras”. People were punched in the face and one man had his leg repeatedly stamped on. The attackers did not stop until they had stolen 3 video cameras and one digital camera. Members of the anti-hunt group were left severely battered and shocked by this un-provoked and brutal attack and robbery. The incident has been reported to the police who are currently making enquiries.
The Chilmark and Clifton foot beagles are closely linked with the Mendip Farmers Foxhunt (MFFH) and several of the attackers were wearing Mendip Farmers FH rugby shirts. Whilst there is no suggestion that the Mendip Farmers officially sanctioned this attack it seems certain that some of their supporters were involved. For several years the MFFH have been involved in a high profile battle with local residents to move to new Kennels at Chewton Mendip in Somerset. The local residents do not want them as they feel they will bring increased traffic, noise and disruption to the community but despite vociferous local protests the hunt seem determined to go ahead, painting themselves as an upright, integral part of the local community.
Is todays attack the true face of the Mendip Farmers Foxhunt?
Lee Moon, spokesperson for the Hunt Saboteurs Association stated: “We are sick and tired of seeing hunts trying to portray themselves as part of the tradition and fabric of this country. If our traditions include violence, intimidation and robbery then perhaps they are. It is time the police showed these people that the Countryside is not their own private playground and prosecute them for the crimes they commit against animals and people. Would you want these violent thugs moving into your community?”
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