On 19 August, a terrierman from the Tynedale Hunt was convicted of assault with battery after he sprayed a hunt monitor in the face with citronella.
Northumberland Hunt Watch was monitoring the hunt on 5 February 2024 when the attack happened. The group explained the incident:
“Judy and another volunteer were monitoring Tynedale Hunt. Judy was on a public footpath [alone as our other volunteer was in a different position] and filming when a fox ran past her, with the hounds in cry a few minutes behind. Judy covered the fox scent with citronella and then rated the hounds back when they appeared. The terrier man, who was masked at the time, rode over to her, on his quad, accompanied by 4 other masked men. He jumped from his quad angrily and acted aggressively and threateningly. He snatched her bottle of citronella and spayed her in the face with it. Bearing in mind this was a lone middle-aged woman who did not act in any way aggressive or confrontational, surrounded by masked men.”
The group continued:
“An issue that his solicitor raised as mitigation (sentencing) was to argue that although he sprayed his victim in the face with a substance, it was a safe substance- as “citronella is a harmless liquid, commonly used as an insect repellent.” Therefore, it would not cause any injury.
However, it was also acknowledged that this was completely unprovoked, as our volunteer was not aggressive or confrontational in any way; she was, and remained, professional, calm, and polite. As we always are.”
The terrierman, who has been in that role with the hunt for 35 years, pleaded guilty and was fined £1,500, including compensation. The monitors stated that it is a possibility that the man will also lose his firearms licence.
Just one in a line of hunters guilty of assault
This terrierman now belongs to a growing list of hunters and their supporters whose tempers have landed them with a conviction.
In the last few weeks alone, Protect the Wild has reported on these convictions:
-
On 19 August, Shane Cooper pleaded guilty to assault and theft following an incident on 26 September 2023. He attacked hunt saboteurs and stole their equipment. Dorset Police Rural Crime Team issued the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale supporter with a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
-
On 9 August, Weston and Banwell terriermen, Ian Dinham and Brian (Anthony) Pearce, were found guilty of assault after attacking hunt saboteurs in November 2023. The men beat one sab with a spade, and punched and kicked him whilst he was on the ground.
- On 29 July, ex-South Dorset huntsman Josh Tierney was found guilty of causing racially/religiously aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress following a homophobic and xenophobic incident against a hunt saboteur.
Support Northumberland Hunt Watch
As always, it is hunt monitors and saboteurs who are bearing the brunt of hunters’ frustrations as they desperately try to make their illegal kills. Northumberland Hunt Watch concluded:
“We must add that due to the quick thinking and actions of our volunteer that day, we believe that the fox was able to escape unharmed.”
Groups like this deserve our support – they are putting their bodies on the line so that foxes will be saved. You can show your appreciation for Northumberland Hunt Watch by donating to the group here.
- Images credit Northumberland Hunt Watch
