HSA news release 28th January 2006

Hunt saboteurs make 999 call after unprovoked attack by illegal-hunting supporters.

Hunt saboteurs present at a meet ofthe Worcestershire Fox Hounds today had to call 999 after they were attacked by supporters of the hunt as they sought to prevent illegal hunting taking place. The Hunt met at 11am at Elmsbridge, 4 miles north of Droitwich, in Worcestershire and saboteurs present saw immediately that, as previously, the hunt were blatantly hunting illegally – despite the recent hunting ban. The saboteurs present then started to use non-violent direct action tactics against the Hunt in order to prevent them successfully hunting, for example using hunting horns to distract hounds and sprays to cover the scent lines of any foxes in the area. Shortly after a group of hunt supporters launched an unprovoked attack on a saboteur as he walked to his vehicle, hitting him across the face with a stick and dragging him to the ground. The police were immediately called, and the injured saboteur taken to hospital.