Category: The Frontlines

[Image credit: @aggravatedtrespass] 

Though the supplementary badger cull is ongoing, which started in June, activists, saboteurs, campaigners and monitors are preparing for the intensive badger cull which could have an authorisation date within August, though is likely to begin in September. Natural England, a public body connected to the UK Governments’ Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (who are responsible for the cull) published an online opportunity for public comment on a consultation which confirms that an application has been made for a new zone in Cumbria. If authorised, this will be the first new zone since 2022 and shows that the new Labour government has no intention of ending the systematic murder of badgers. It has also been reported that they intend to end culling by 2029, though this is vague and is only achievable under certain conditions. It is also believed that this is on the assumption that they would serve a second term in government, if they were to win in the next general election. To summarise, unless there is a dramatic change, many more will be murdered for years and any hope for badgers through political means is, at best, thin. Direct action therefore, is the only real tangle method of giving the wild animals a chance of survival. Many setts, some existing for centuries, have been wiped out, as reported by Derbyshire Against the Cull who remain determined to do what they can. Northamptonshire Badger Group have also had ‘mixed results’ whilst surveying, with some healthy sett activity reported but also some not active.  

The Dove Valley Mink Hounds continue to have a hard time after being intercepted by saboteurs twice this month by saboteurs from Staffordshire, Nottingham and Lincolnshire.  Throughout the summer, the hunt have had to pack up again and again in what has been a disastrous season for them. Frustrated, they attempted to slip under the radar and leave the kennels in the early hours of the morning but were unsuccessful as they were soon discovered and foiled by 8am. With little of the mink/otter season remaining, the continued failure of the hunt will no doubt have an impact on their morale and could spill over into the following season next summer. Multiple sabotage groups in the East of England also paid another visit to the Eastern Counties Mink Hounds who were hunting in Essex. Though they reported to have not been able to attend as quickly as they had previously, the tip-off they received no doubt made an impact on the hunt who soon packed up, believed to have not been successful at killing.  

The Stag hunting season has begun and immediately caused ‘horror on the hills’ in the South West of England. Sabotaging this form of hunting comes with differing challenges to other hunting. Despite the efforts of hunt saboteurs from Mendip and North Dorset, a stag was killed by the Quantock Stag Hounds and two were also killed by the Devon & Somerset Staghounds on separate occasions. However, the two groups, accompanied by Weymouth Animal Rights, were successful on another day. Stag hunting has a specific legal loophole, lesser known to the public, using a relay of two hounds to flush to a gun for the purposes of ‘scientific research’. Regardless, it is brutal but campaigners push to challenge this and pursue amendments and strengthen the Hunting Act 2004 to make it stronger. Though the impact of this is contested, it is important for a myriad of tactics and methods be explored to cause as many obstacles as possible. Doing so can make hunting ‘unworkable’, as seen by the success of the Scottish legislative campaigning against fox hunting last year.  

The Grouse shooting season has also begun, starting on the 12th August, self-proclaimed as the ‘glorious twelfth’, but didn’t go to plan for some. In recent years, this expensive form of shooting has been increasingly targeted by hunt saboteurs with this year being no exception. Following the successful work of spotters, a large group of saboteurs from multiple groups were able to shut down a shooting ‘party’ on the Wemmergill Estate. Police attended but were unable to prevent the mass hit, though one saboteur from the Sheffield group was arrested. Disruption continued the next day with another shoot being forced to cancel following the arrival on saboteurs. It is believed that shutting down one of these shoots for a day can save hundreds of Grouse and can cause £1000s in damages to the shoot organiser/manager. As well as Grouse, these estates murder other wildlife on a large-scale using traps, some of which were dealt with by saboteurs present. A reminder of this form of wildlife persecution can be read about through two articles recently published on the Hunt Saboteurs Association website.   

On top of the abovementioned, another season has begun; cub hunting. This is where Fox hound, Harrier, Beagle and Basset packs are routinely taken out at dusk and dawn with the purpose of training young hounds how to kill Fox cubs and Leverets. This training process is also vital for building a relationship between the huntsman and hounds as well as hounds learning how to work as a pack. Therefore, sabotaging this is not only important for protecting wildlife on the day but can also be detrimental to hunting efforts during the main season by becoming acquainted with the landscape and where wildlife specifically reside which gives them a better opportunity to act. Many sabotage groups across England and Wales have been present during hound exercise and have taken action when cubbing has been attempted, with too many sabotage groups to mention.  

Any information about wildlife killing fundraisers, hunting, the location of traps, tools and infrastructure used to kill and anything dodgy or suspicious relating to the interference or ill-treatment of wildlife should be reported to your local hunt sabotage group. Unsure of your local group? Contact the Hunt Saboteurs Association’s tip-off line at 07443148426 or via social media. The smallest bit of information could make the biggest different to wildlife life.

NO LIFE LIKE THE WILD 

[Image credit: @suffolkandessexhuntsabs] 

The supplementary badger cull continues, as does action against it. Derbyshire Against the Cull have taken up a combination of direct action and advocacy, as seen in social media posts throughout the month that has shown them successfully stopping free shooters as well distributing flyers and stickers within the community. They’ve also called out for supporters to contact their local MPs to put pressure on them to end the continuation of badger culling as government policy. Hull Wildlife Protectors also held a training day, giving an opportunity for concerned members of the public to learn about wildlife crime and badger persecution and what can be done. Badger setts continue to be monitored, as seen by Staffordshire Hunt Saboteurs.

The Monmouthshire & Valley Beagles in South Wales and the Eryri Hunt in North Wales both disbanded this month. Though the scale of hunting can seem overwhelming, news such as this is a reminder of how vulnerable individual packs are and how realistic it is for them to disband. Dedicated campaigns, including consistent sabbing, is sure way to make that happen.  

The Dove Valley Mink Hounds continue to have difficulties, as they were once against intercepted by hunt saboteurs; this time from Staffordshire and Nottingham. As per, on their arrival the hunt gave up straight away and headed back to the meet. In Essex, the Eastern County Mink Hounds had their first ever experience being sabotaged since they reformed. This hunt originally disbanded once Otter populations had declined massively, resulting in protective legal status, but reformed as minkhounds (though continued to hunt Otter, as many still do). However, they once again disbanded in 2021, following internal problems and becoming the target of local sabotage groups. Thinking they had gone forever, it was then discovered they re-emerged soon after as a private pack who hunt ‘legally’ using dogs to flush their target animal to a gun. But after a little bit of research, a large group of saboteurs made up from North London, Suffolk & Essex, Norwich, South Cambridge and South of Norfolk surprised them by taking the hounds away, forcing them to pack up and leave.  

Northants Hunt Saboteurs, along with other locals, continue to put pressure on The Cottesmore Hunt by having a presence and protesting two fun rides and the hunts summer party. This causes a lot of frustration for the hunt as they attempt to recruit new members and raise money. Sabs and protesters highlighting the brutal reality of hunting counteracts the hunts false narrative they try to uphold. It is bad for business and can play a key part in the demise of a hunt, when combined with other tactics.  

Hertfordshire Hunt Saboteurs have been busy ‘cleaning up the countryside’, including spring traps and a fox cage. According to them, a simple ‘jump around’ can make a difference to wildlife. Likewise, Underground Badger Syndicate published a video of multiple spring traps being stamped out after looking for shiny things. In a separate post on their Instagram page, they made their position on the UK general election clear as many may have been voting with wildlife legislation in mind. Not only does mainstream politics come with limits, but acting on a single cause or campaign can be very dangerous. As they explain, Labour party leader Keir Starmer is a transphobe, has pledged to continue culling badgers, has platformed Zionist lobbyists and have little interest in supporting refugees. These are just a few examples of the true intensions of this party, who end up winning and now make up the government. Simply put, UBS concludes ‘fuck your votes, take action!’.  

Any information about wildlife killing fundraisers, hunting, the location of traps, tools and infrastructure used to kill and anything dodgy or suspicious relating to the interference or ill-treatment of wildlife should be reported to your local hunt sabotage group. Unsure of your local group? Contact the Hunt Saboteurs Association’s tip-off line at 07443148426 or via social media. The smallest bit of information could make the biggest different to wildlife life.

NO LIFE LIKE THE WILD 

[Image credit: @nottinghamhuntsabs] 

The supplementary badger cull begun at the start of the month and so has the mobilisation hunt saboteurs, anti-cull activists and members of the public who are checking setts for signs of being baited or tampered with. Some groups have posted evidence of healthy badger activity but things can change quickly. Derbyshire Against The Cull, for example, has been concerned about the presence of a known badger-killer who has been regularly spotted near a hotspot culling area, though hasn’t had the chance to go shooting due to the groups presence.  

Ambitious for an end to the badger cull, Northamptonshire Badger Group advised to ‘vote wisely’ in the general election, hoping that the main opposition party (who are predicted to form the next successive government) would abandon the murderous policy. However, the badger group later confirmed that the Labour party will allow pre-existing cull licenses to continue. Though its unsurprising to many, it is worth noting that legality has little bearing on the protection of wildlife and though there isn’t justice, there is us. 

Saboteurs from Nottingham, Sheffield, Lincoln and West Midlands foiled plans by the Dove Valley Mink Hounds to hunt the River Trent. As they did last month, on discovering the presence of saboteurs, the hunt resorted to walking back to the meet and were escorted back to the kennels. Despite the fact that Mink and Otter hound pacts are notoriously covert, they continue to be apprehended.  

The Cottesmore Hunt are continuing to have a hard time as Northants Hunt Saboteurs keeps up the pressure during an open day at the kennels and a fun ride. Both of these are recruiting drives to recruit new members and raise money. The presence of saboteurs and protesters, highlighting the brutal reality of hunting is bad for business as it puts off any new interest they may have and also discourages existing members as they may not want to be publicly seen to be supporting the murder of innocent wild animals. This is one tactic that has been applied consistently as part of a pressure campaign. Simultaneous action overtime, using different tactics, is a proven method to shutting down a hunt for good. Sheffield Hunt Saboteurs also held a protest against a fundraising event held by the Grove and Rufford Hunt.  

After freeing a severely injured corvid from a Larsen trap, Underground Badger Syndicate  sent a clear message to a gamekeeper by dealing with three high seats, three larsens, a ladder trap, multiple fens and a fox cage. In a social media post including a video of what they got up to, they stated ‘you destroy lives, we destroy your shoot’.

Herefordshire Hunt Saboteurs, who also dealt with two types of spring traps and poison hoppers, have a similar message; ‘direct action saves lives’. 

Any information about wildlife killing fundraisers, Mink/Otter hunts, the location of traps, tools and infrastructure used to kill and anything dodgy or suspicious relating to the interference or ill-treatment of wildlife should be reported to your local hunt sabotage group. Unsure of your local group? Contact the Hunt Saboteurs Association’s tip-off line at 07443148426 or via social media. The smallest bit of information could make the biggest different to an innocent life.

NO LIFE LIKE THE WILD

[Image credit: @nottinghamhuntsabs] 

Despite it still being early in the Mink and Otter hunting season, the notoriously sneaky and secretive form of wildlife abuse continues to have problems. Last month saw multiple unsuccessful attempts to hunt by different packs and this month is no different. This included the Northern Counties Mink Hounds who were foiled by a large presence of saboteurs from groups from across the Midlands and the North of England. Making sure they didn’t escape and attempt to hunt elsewhere, saboteurs blocked vehicles from leaving making the hunt and limited supporters present all equally grumpy. The following day, North Dorset Hunt Saboteurs intercepted the Courtenay Tracy Mink Hounds who were hunting where Otters had recently been spotted by members of the public. Multiple sabotage groups also stopped the Dove Valley Mink hounds, who met Sunrise Poultry Hoton Farm; who were previously exposed by Animal Justice Project for stamping on and kicking chickens.  

A new sabotage group has formed in the area of Somerset and Dorset under the name Two Counties Hunt Saboteurs. Throughout the month they have been busy building their infrastructure as a group by building their online presence, fundraising, recruiting and getting kit together. We would encourage our followers to show them support in whichever way you can; join them, like and share their social media posts, donate to them and send them tip-offs.  

Northants Hunt Saboteurs have been keeping the pressure on the Cottesmore Hunt during their ‘fun rides’. These events act as recruiting drives for new members and to raise money for the hunt. Some in the rural community are unaware of the farse of trail hunting and may join for the social element, especially those within the horse-riding community. Protesting these events and highlighting the true intentions of the hunt can, and does, make a dent in the hunts efforts to retain support. Even if potential supporters aren’t sympathetic to wildlife, they may not join a hunt if they don’t want to be doxed as a supporter of the murder of animals. It also upsets the hunt, which is a plus. This pressure is one tactic applied as part of a pressure campaign. Multiple approaches, especially simultaneously, is a proven method to shutting down a hunt for good.  

Traps and other mechanisms of wildlife destruction have continued to be dealt with throughout the month. Sheffield Hunt Saboteurs published a video of multiple mole-traps being flattened by a sledge hammer, prompting Underground Badger Syndicate to publish their own sledge hammer skills with a backdrop of flares and included a prompt of making smashing videos a trend. Seemingly, they also like using chainsaws. Not only does ‘direct action save lives’, as quoted by Hertfordshire Hunt Saboteurs who have been busy with snares and fenn traps, it can also be a lot of fun. You might even come across an exotic garden, like The Great Unwashed.

Any information about wildlife killing fundraisers, Mink/Otter hunts, the location of traps, tools and infrastructure used to kill and anything dodgy or suspicious relating to the interference or ill-treatment of wildlife should be reported to your local hunt sabotage group. Unsure of your local group? Contact the Hunt Saboteurs Association’s tip-off line at 07443148426 or via social media. The smallest bit of information could make the biggest different to an innocent life.

NO LIFE LIKE THE WILD 

received anonymously:

Coming to Rojava I knew one thing for sure, I would learn a lot and much would be asked of me. This learning is of course not limited to certain spaces, but more an every day life philosophy. The last weeks together with other internationalists we organized some space to learn, analyze and share life. For this purpose, we did what’s so rare nowadays, we turned off our phones put them aside and ignored them for a whole three weeks. And then it started, getting up early, doing sports together, eating breakfast together, followed by hour long discussions about the meaning of life, the influence different philosopher’s have had on our understanding of the world and much more.

We invited older friends to come and share their stories with us, never starting with themselves, but always starting from their societies history and a collective standpoint. At times a very frustrating experience! Imagine yourself asking a somewhat simple question, like what do you think about anarchism? And instead of someone starting with Anarchism, this person first explains to you how patriarchy, the state and ideologies came about. Slowly, we understood more the inter connectivity between all topics and the importance to not dissect them into small mouth sized pieces, but always try to keep the broad in mind. These weeks were not always easy, with my mind so busy, I could never get enough hours of sleep- often laying awake until late at night thinking about the meaning of revolution, and just when I had finally closed my eyes, someone would come and wake me up for night watch. Night watch and security in general is something we have to take seriously here, we never rely on outsiders to keep us safe.

At times it’s hard to remember that I am in a war zone, the humming of the drones is almost unnoticeable among the noise of the city, news of friends having fallen normally reach us over the internet, making them feel far away and distant, somehow unreal, and even though everyone is complaining about the economical situation, to me at times that doesn’t sound much different from the daily complaints in the UK. But then- of course it is, there’s the small moments when I am painfully aware just where I am, when my housemate tells me her nightmares about her sister falling sehid, or that she dreamed about one of her many friends who have fallen or when I am sitting in the middle of the night, carrying the (shared!) responsibility of keeping an eye out for my friends and comrades. The low intensity warfare works, not just on the western media, who are turning a blind eye to the atrocities committed here, but also on you and me- those of us, who stand in solidarity with the Kurdish movement, who want to see Rojava thrive. I can ignore the reality of the war, exactly what Turkey is aiming for, so it can slowly, but surely kill the revolution. During our discussions, we reminded ourselves of this situation, opening our eyes, trying to really feel it and give our actions and words meaning- making them a constant response. In one seminar, a friend gave us a lesson on the history of sexism, how it developed, it’s turning points, different philosopher’s impacts and I found myself shaking with anger.

Never before had I felt anger so clearly, so raw, inside me, in response to someone giving a presentation. For me in this moment I knew, we need to take this struggle a hell of a lot more serious and step up our actions, the oppressive systems need a powerful response and we all must be part of it.

[Image credit: @mendiphuntsabs] 

Mink and Otter hunting season has begun. Only 26 registered packs exist in the UK and Ireland, making them vulnerable to the multiple sabotage groups that operate, as seen by the Northern Counties Mink Hounds who were apprehended by Sheffield, Staffordshire, Manchester and West Yorkshire hunt sabotage groups, as well as Hull Wildlife Protectors. These packs operate using a small number of hounds and are usually transported in commercial and domestic vehicles, thus making them more difficult to locate oppose to a mounted hunt who are more obvious in appearance and use larger vehicles such as horse boxes and trailers. Members of the public can play an important role in sabotaging a hunt by notifying suspicious behaviour. This can be done by contacting the Hunt Saboteurs Association tip-off line at 07443148426 or your local group on social media. Making a call or sending a message can be enough to stop wildlife from being killed. 

A stag was killed by the Devon and Somerset Staghounds during their closing meet despite the best efforts of a large number of saboteurs from multiple groups. Sabotaging a stag hunt is notoriously difficult and when the life of the wild is lost, it is natural to feel depleted. However, it is important to remember that years ago, stag hunts were rarely getting sabotaged and, when they were, came with a lot of violence.  But they are getting more and more attention and are unable to kill every time they go out, as seen by multiple successful hit reports throughout the month by groups including Mendip Hunt Saboteurs. At one point, these hunts felt unstoppable but now that belief is crumbling. And that is something that we should recognise and take into account when morale is low.

Natural England published their summery of the 2023 badger cull and, despite any rhetoric they want to project, the UK governments’ agender is clear; they will continue to murder wildlife on mass. It is worth noting that, based on their own studies, culling badgers has no impact on the spread of bTB. The reality is that this cull is about protecting animal agriculture from taking accountability of their biosecurity problems and making life easier for landowners (as one example, badgers living on your land causes problems for gaining planning permission). The numbers of badgers killed in the 2023 cull stands at 19,570 and when combined with culls taken place since 2013, totals 230,125. These numbers are bleak as fuck but they would undoubtably be higher if it wasn’t for the efforts of dedicated groups (such as Underground Badger Syndicate), hunt sabotage groups and local badger protectors. It can sometimes be difficult to quantify the results of anti-badger cull work, but seeing fresh badger activity months after the cull has finished where multiple cage traps have been removed and free-shooters escorted away is a sure sign of success.  

Spring time is a busy time for wildlife. While many embrace this, gamekeepers and others intend to decimate anything that they see as a threat to their interests (sometimes as pathetic as having a neat and tidy lawn). However, some have been busy dealing with traps and other mechanisms used to kill wildlife, as seen by Hertfordshire Hunt Saboteurs who have been removing mole traps, snares and pricey sensor-triggered squirrel traps. Simply walking around the countryside can make a difference when looking in the right places, such as a shooting estate or the grounds of a stately home. This activity is not only leisurely but can also make a difference to local wildlife. And if you don’t feel up to dealing with items yourself, you can relay what you have found to your local sabotage group.  

Northants Hunt Saboteurs held a protest against the Cottesmore Hunt at their first ‘fun ride’ of the spring/summer. As they explain in a recent social media post, holding demonstrations at ‘fun rides’ are important as these are specifically organised to raise money and recruit paid subscribers for the upcoming season. Discouraging supporters and paid spectators from joining a hunt can be a significant blow against their longevity, both financially and for their morale. This contributes to a diversity of tactics as part of a dedicated campaign against a hunt and has been proven to be successful in shutting them down for good.  

NO LIFE LIKE THE WILD  

Received anonymously:

“What does it mean to be a militant? Being part of the Rojava Revolution

“95% of our struggle is that against ourselves. Only the other 5% are against the enemy” Abdullah Ocalan

The last weeks have been my toughest here so far. I have been unable to contribute much and continue working on my projects here, due to poor health. The perfect time for some self-reflection and introducing one of the core pillars of the Kurdistan Freedom Movement. Many great revolutionaries have contributed to the idea of self-reflection and militancy.

When I first came across the word militancy, I imagined somehow becoming hard: always working, never complaining. In short, becoming a revolutionary robot, able to surpass the mental, physical and emotional ‘constraints’ of being human. In Europe – even though I had slowly widened my understanding a bit more – I still somehow held to this ideal of a revolutionary. Someone who is young, fit, able-bodied and smart. Indeed, I have pushed myself more than I thought I could do, stayed up longer than I thought I could and achieved things I never thought possible. However, while this can be part of being a militant, it is not the whole story.

Coming here, the militancy of the comrades you meet is undeniable. There are heroic resistance stories, people sacrificing their life to save that of their comrades or to prevent themselves falling in the hands of the enemies. These include that of Sehid Berxwedan, or Ryan Lock, who instead of falling in the hands of ISIS, ended his own life. These stories and examples are invaluable for us, and yet this is only one part of a much broader understanding of militancy here. Soon after arriving, I realized the broadness of who is a Kurdish revolutionary. I sat together with comrades in their 70’s, sick and worn down from 20 years fighting as a Guerilla, joking how I have become a “terrorist” alongside them simply for being here. Sharing stories of undeniable love and care for the people of the world. For weeks, another comrade gave us dance lessons. She was a ballet dancer before she joined the struggle. She fought with the Guerilla for 14 years and got severely wounded. She is in constant pain, until she forgets it through her much beloved dancing. Yesterday evening, we sat together with an older comrade. She is fifty and was born in Rojava. Her brother was killed in Bakur (North Kurdistan) only two years ago. She was describing to us how she followed the front lines in Raqqa together with other comrades from Kongra Star (the women’s umbrella organization), founding and building up people’s councils in every newly-liberated village.

These efforts to cultivate a mentality and practice of grass-roots democracy are as much a part of militancy as the military battles are. The constant drive to build up alternatives: dreaming about them, realizing them, having many hard conversations, making many mistakes, learning from them and not giving up hope. Mariame Kaba, a black abolitionist from New York once said hope is a constant discipline – here I see this coming true.

Things are hard here. Things are far from perfect. Many women still live in incredibly difficult situations, the spiralling economy is crushing household finances and most people with essential qualifications – such as doctors and engineers – have left for Europe. Several rounds of systematic Turkish airstrikes on power stations and oil infrastructure have shattered the already-frail energy sector in Rojava, making electricity, gas and fuel even more expensive and scarce for the population. Meanwhile, Turkey continues to assassinate scores of top YPG and YPJ commanders, as well as those working as society organizers and women’s activists, through targeted drone strikes.

Yet despite all this, the comrades manage to keep alive within themselves an unparalleled energy, will to continue and spirit of optimism. When setbacks occur, when problems emerge (and of these there is no scarcity), when the circumstances make it seem like there is no way forward, still the comrades – and the people of Rojava – continue to push forwards. Of course, there are not many options other than to continue to struggle, given the situation. Yet as described before the deep culture that the Kurdish movement has built around their martyrs – the immense value given to those who gave their lives in the fight for freedom and their constant presence in our daily life through photos, memorials and stories – also offers the strength and will needed to renew a spirit of hope each day. To not just move, but move with momentum.

One rainy March day, I meet some comrades from Kobane (the place made famous in 2015, when a Kurdish-led resistance effort handed ISIS their first major loss and kick-started the liberation campaign that would result in the territorial defeat of the so-called caliphate in 2019) in the city’s large martyr’s graveyard. When countless childhood friends, family members, neighbours, loved ones and strangers have given their life for a cause that you believe in, to not try to carry on their struggle, channel their determination and passion and pursue their dreams of a better world in their place amounts to betraying them, they say.

This is the discipline Kaba speaks of: every day choosing to renew your will to hope, to dream and to continue to believe that against all the odds, it is possible to succeed. This is a kind of militancy that requires a strength that is not confined to the physically strong, young and able-bodied figure. A ‘robot revolutionary’ could never achieve this kind of militancy, because it is built on a deep emotional connection with your own spirit, your comrades, the path you have chosen to take together and the life around you. For me, this has meant to except my physical boundaries the last weeks, rely on my comrades support, listen to their harsh criticisms when I tried to move too much and reflect how I too, can expand my idea of militancy.”

[Image credit: @sono.sabs]

For the majority of Fox and Hare hunting packs across the UK & Ireland, March is when the season comes to an end. Usually at this time of year, their attempts to kill wildlife become desperate. Hunt saboteurs however, despite physical and mental exhaustion, have continued to stop this from happening right until the end. Individual hunts finish the season on different dates, so when one hunt packs up early in the month, the local sabotage groups will join others to target another hunt elsewhere, adding more pressure those final hunt meets. One specific end of season meet to note was of the Cottesmore Hunt who were sabotaged by 5x sizeable groups in solidarity to locals who have had consistent problems with aggressive hunt ‘security’ in recent months. A kill-free day was reported, as well as the arrest of the hunts hired bullies.  

Channel 4 News (UK) gave more negative coverage of hunting this month after they, along with West Midlands Hunt Saboteurs, exposed police corruption following a ‘secret deal’ between Warwickshire Police and the Warwickshire Hunt. Even the National Police Chief’s ‘lead on hunting crime’ officer admitted this is likely due to the hunt being “well connected”. It is important to recognise that this coverage, however, still gave somewhat of a ‘not all cops are bad’ impression and we urge viewers to recognise and consider the problems and limitations of seeing state enforcement (in this case, the hunting act) as a means to wildlife liberation. Not long after it was aired, police had shown their true colours by harassing Sheffield Hunt Saboteurs and displayed their ignorance to hunting legislation and didn’t care about activity of the Grove and Rufford Hunt. In reality, the state views hunt sabotage as a gateway to becoming an ‘animal rights extremist’ and will happily repress anyone who they deem to be. With that being said, this coverage has undoubtably made many in the hunting community nervous and should be welcomed. And rightly so, it won’t be easy to shake off the exposed reality of the relationship between hunting and policing in the UK.

Protests against the hunt were also had, as seen by Suffolk Action for Wildlife. This is not only good for the morale of those who care about wildlife, but can hurt the hunts feelings. If these protests, or fear of protests and negative PR, lead to hunt socials and fundraisers being cancelled by venues then it’ll also hurt their pocket and make them feel unsupported.

Though the Fox and Hare hunting season has finished, other forms of hunting continue. The stag hunting season is set to continue until the end of April, but with other packs of hounds finished for the season, groups in the West and South West of England are doing what they can, as seen unsuccessful days had by the Devon & Somerset Staghounds.

Saboteurs will now also be getting prepared for Mink and Otter hunts, who operate during the spring and summer months.  Any tip-off’s relating to these activities can result in wildlife being saved from being killed, and are welcomed by your local sabotage group who will maintain anonymity. Kind messages and donations are also well appreciated!

Hertfordshire Hunt Saboteurs have been busy with a ‘countryside clean up’, by removing snares and traps. Spring is a busy time for shooting estates and others who want to kill wildlife so it is important to see what can be found locally. The warmer weather makes such an activity a lot more enjoyable and gives people an opportunity to not only appreciate the beauty of this time of year, but also to make a difference in sustaining it.

NO LIFE LIKE THE WILD

anonymous submission:

“The last weeks I have danced countless hours, intercepted by too little sleep and many hours sitting together with comrades, remembering those who have fallen on the way here.

March is a month of celebrations in Kurdistan, and Rojava. We celebrate the 8th of March as a day to dance to the victories working and socialist women have gained across the world. Remembering the long and rich tradition we are part of- here, we gathered for a picnic, with live music and dancing. In between we shared stories of resistance, silly anecdotes of the early days of the revolution and many hugs.

Although I have only been here a few weeks, I was welcomed by many as if they’d known me forever. “Our goodbyes are always so heavy”- I was told in Bakur (North Kurdistan, Eastern Turkey) and it shines through every interaction here, too. March is not only a month of celebration of victories and new beginnings, it is also a month where many anniversaries of internationalist sehids (martyrs) take place. For me, Anna Campbell, Lorenzo Orsetti and Alina Sanchez are all people who inspired me to travel here. Anna was killed by the fascist Turkish state in the Afrin Occupation March, 2018, Lorenzo was killed in one of the last battles against ISIS in Deir ez-Zor in March 2019 and Alina died in a car crash in 2018. With them hundreds of Kurdish friends died.

Tomorrow, we will get together to remember them, the day of the internationalist martyrs. There will be music, dances, speeches and theater performances. Many here, spent time with these friends and other martyrs and can tell funny, sad and heartwarming stories of their times here.

With this depth in mind, we also celebrated the Kurdish New Year- Newroz- some days ago on the 21st. As with every celebration, we started it with a minute of silence for our martyrs. Newroz has a long history of resistance in Kurdish culture, formerly a prohibited celebration in many parts of Kurdistan, people came together in secret to celebrate. And this is still a reality in the occupied parts of Kurdistan. Last year a family of four was murdered in Afrin by Turkish backed jihadists. Knowing what we fight against, and more importantly what we are fighting for, makes every step we take together all the more meaningful. “