Battle In The Country: The Hunt Saboteurs

Summary

This transcript captures the intense conflict between hunt saboteurs and fox hunters in the UK. Hunt saboteurs actively disrupt hunts to protect foxes, often facing violence and legal challenges. Despite the 2004 ban on hunting with dogs, the conflict continues with accusations of illegal hunting and extreme activism. Both sides express their perspectives, revealing deep-rooted tensions and the high stakes involved. The saboteurs' commitment to animal rights contrasts with the hunters' view of their tradition and the law, highlighting a broader societal clash over heritage, legality, and ethical activism.

Takeaways

• 🦊 A hunt saboteur is someone who actively sabotages fox hunts.
• 😡 Hunt saboteurs face intense verbal and physical abuse, being called names like 'paedophile' and 'terrorist'.
• ⚠️ The conflict between hunters and saboteurs is described as a serious, high-stakes 'war' in the countryside.
• 🚫 Despite the ban on hunting with dogs in England and Wales, hunting activities continue, causing ongoing conflict.
• 🐕 Hunters claim to follow trail and drag hunting, where hounds follow an artificial scent instead of live animals.
• 🔍 Saboteurs monitor hunts to ensure no illegal hunting occurs and actively intervene if they believe laws are being broken.
• 💥 Both hunters and saboteurs face violence, with saboteurs recounting numerous physical attacks and altercations.
• 🎥 Saboteurs document and publicize their actions and the hunts, leading to further tensions and confrontations.
• 🏡 Saboteurs often face legal issues and are sometimes banned from hunting areas, but they continue their activism.
• 🤝 The film highlights the need for better laws and mutual understanding between hunters and animal rights activists.

Q & A

What is a hunt saboteur?

A hunt saboteur is someone who actively sabotages fox hunts to protect wildlife, particularly foxes.

What kind of abuse have hunt saboteurs experienced?

Hunt saboteurs have been called names, punched, kicked, head-butted, and hit with bars.

What change occurred after the Hunting Act was enacted in England and Wales?

After the Hunting Act, hunting groups started trail and drag hunting, where hounds follow an artificially laid scent instead of hunting live animals.

Why do animal activists continue to distrust hunters despite the ban?

Animal activists don't believe hunters have genuinely switched to trail hunting and suspect that illegal hunting of live foxes still occurs.

How do hunt saboteurs find out where hunts are taking place?

Hunt saboteurs receive tip-offs and use various sources, including people who secretly relay information about the hunts' locations.

What is the primary goal of hunt saboteurs when they attend hunts?

The primary goal of hunt saboteurs is to monitor hunts to ensure no illegal hunting occurs and to intervene if necessary.

Why do some people support hunting?

Supporters believe hunting is a traditional activity that is enjoyable, a major part of their lives, important for exercising horses and hounds, and beneficial for the economy.

What tactics do hunt saboteurs use to disrupt hunts?

Hunt saboteurs use tactics like blowing horns to confuse the hounds, using citronella spray to mask the scent of foxes, and physically placing themselves between the hunters and the hounds.

What are some risks hunt saboteurs face during their activities?

Hunt saboteurs face physical violence, intimidation, and legal issues such as being arrested or banned from certain areas.

Why do hunt saboteurs cover their faces?

Hunt saboteurs cover their faces for security reasons to protect their identities from online harassment and other threats.

What justification do hunters give for continuing to hunt despite the ban?

Hunters argue that any encounters with foxes are accidental and similar to a dog chasing a rabbit, claiming they hunt within the law and that the law itself is unclear and needs clarification.

How do hunt saboteurs feel about the violence they face?

Hunt saboteurs feel that the violence they face testifies to the effectiveness of their efforts and strengthens their resolve to continue their activism.

What is the perspective of hunters on hunt saboteurs' activities?

Hunters believe that hunt saboteurs interfere with lawful hunting, cause more harm than good, and view them as being driven by a lack of understanding and desire to disrupt traditional practices.

Why do hunt saboteurs believe they are making a difference?

Hunt saboteurs believe they are making a difference because they prevent illegal hunting, protect wildlife, and endure violence and legal challenges without giving up.

What personal sacrifices do hunt saboteurs make for their cause?

Hunt saboteurs often prioritize their activism over other aspects of their lives, facing personal risks and legal issues to protect animals.