Ahead of the planned Animal Rising disruption at the Epsom Derby on Saturday, at least 3 houses were raided by police and 19 arrests were made.
Photos have emerged showing damage to approximately ten doors across the 3 properties, including unlocked internal doors.
The Jockey Club boasted the benefits of ‘intelligence-led policing’ that apparently forgot the use of door handles.
In total, 31 supporters of Animal Rising were arrested and one individual is in court today charged with Public Nuisance after gaining access to the track [1].
Photos have been revealed on social media that show the aftermath of 3 raids by police on Saturday prior to the Epsom Derby disruption by Animal Rising [2]. Approximately ten doors were destroyed across 3 properties, with additional damage to walls, brickwork, and lighting fixtures.
A crowdfunder launched by the group is looking to raise £10,000 to cover the cost of replacing the doors and repairing the damage [3].
The policing operation saw a total of 31 arrests, with one individual gaining access to the track. The 32 year-old from East London, Ben Newman, who thwarted security is charged with Public Nuisance and due to appear in court today (Monday 5th June).
Louise Hillwood, a primary school teacher and spokesperson for Animal Rising said:
“The Jockey Club spent more than £300,000 on additional security and an injunction to try and stop this crucial conversation about the use of animals in society. But, no matter how much money they spend trying to hide it, they cannot escape the fact that a horse dies every other day in UK racing.
"Their collusion with the police and praise for ‘intelligence-led policing’ falls flat on a police force who forgot the use of door handles in favour of unnecessary criminal damage. These tactics of intimidation will not deter people who care deeply from doing what they know is right to protect animals and ensure a safe, secure future for all life.”
Animal Rising is a social movement to create a new relationship with all beings and give us a chance for a safe ecological future. The group primarily calls for the transition to a secure and sustainable plant-based food system, alongside a mass rewilding programme.
ENDS
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