HSA news release 28th December 2004

Boxing Day violence and intimidation at South West hunt

Hunt saboteurs in Somerset today told how they had to leave the Weston and Banwell Harriers in fear of their lives yesterday (27 December) as the hunt held its traditional Boxing Day hunt near Axbridge on the Somerset levels.

One of the saboteurs, Joe, said "Within the first hour a man pulled a knife on us. Shortly afterwards, another saboteur was ridden down by one of the mounted riders. Then it seemed like almost every supporter of the hunt was arming themself with sticks and iron bars. It was obvious someone was going to get seriously hurt."