Animal Rising members plotting to disrupt Epsom Derby could be jailed
Militant animal rights activists plotting to sabotage the Epsom Derby could be jailed for contempt of court under High Court injunction as world-famous racecourse takes legal action against Animal Rising, which disrupted the Grand National last month
- Racecourse is taking legal action after the group disrupted the Grand National
- READ MORE: Animal Rising to send ‘one thousand’ protesters to Epsom Derby
Militant animal rights activists plotting to sabotage the Epsom Derby could be jailed for contempt of court after the Jockey Club announced it is applying for a High Court injunction.
The owner of the world-famous racecourse is taking legal action after Animal Rising – who disrupted the Grand National last month – warned they would disrupt the Surrey meeting on June 3.
The application in London on Friday will seek to prohibit individuals from blocking the racetrack, entering the parade ring or any other acts that could disrupt proceedings.
Animal Rising has boasted Epsom is ‘almost unpoliceable’ because sections of the course are open and accessible to the public.
Members are planning to use glue and lock-on devices to secure themselves at different locations.
The owner of the world-famous racecourse is taking legal action after Animal Rising – who disrupted the Grand National last month (pictured here) – warned they would disrupt the Surrey meeting on June 3
Animal Rising has boasted Epsom is ‘almost unpoliceable’ because sections of the course are open and accessible to the public (pictured: Animal Rising activists attempting to invade the race course ahead of the Randox Grand National Handicap Chase)
Members are planning to use glue and lock-on devices to secure themselves at different locations (pictured: Animal rights protesters are apprehended by police officers ahead of the Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase)
Jockey Club chief executive Nevin Truesdale said: ‘We respect everyone’s right to peaceful and lawful protest and, with that in mind, have offered Animal Rising a space for this purpose directly outside the racecourse during the Derby Festival.
‘However, Animal Rising have made it explicitly clear that they intend to breach security and access the track itself in an attempt to stop racing taking place and it is our duty and obligation to do everything we can to protect everyone’s safety and prevent a repeat of the illegal and reckless protests we saw at Aintree in April.’
Mo Metcalf-Fisher, from The Countryside Alliance, added Animal Rising – an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion – ‘routinely cross the line between what any rational person would consider to be legitimate protest and dangerous stunts’.
He said: ‘When the lives of horses, riders and spectators are even remotely put at risk by their selfish behaviour, it is no longer a protest, but an act of disorder.’
The fall and death of Hill Sixteen at the Grand National was blamed on the 14-minute delay caused by the animal rights zealots. Horses were left agitated in the sun by the hold-up.
A total of 118 people were arrested at Aintree after the Mail on Sunday exposed the plot to wreck the race.
Up to 1,000 protesters from the extremist vegan group are feared to be massing to ruin the Derby to publicise their cause, despite the risk of up to two years in jail and heavy fines if the injunction is granted.
Animal Rising spokesman Nathan McGovern warned it would not provide a deterrent as the ‘issues that we are facing are too big to be ignored’.
Mo Metcalf-Fisher, from The Countryside Alliance, added Animal Rising – an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion – ‘routinely cross the line between what any rational person would consider to be legitimate protest and dangerous stunts’ (pictured: activists at the Grand National)
A total of 118 people were arrested at Aintree after the Mail on Sunday exposed the plot to wreck the race
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