Animal rights activists from the group Animal Rebellion, an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion, are planning to disrupt the Grand National, one of the biggest horse races in the world, according to
recent reports. The group aims to create a human barricade across the course at Aintree, Merseyside, in an attempt to ‘ruin’ the race. The protest is scheduled for April 15th, and despite the revelation of their plan, the group insists that their action will still go ahead.
The Mail on Sunday reported that one of its reporters infiltrated a group meeting and discovered that over 100 people have signed up to take part in the action. The newspaper also released an undercover footage of a woman telling the group that the Grand National, being the biggest horse race in the world with 600 million viewers and £300 million in bets, is the ‘kick-off action’ for their whole campaign. She added that they plan to ruin the event and form a human barricade by climbing over the fence with ladders and gluing themselves to the course.
Animal Rebellion spokeswoman Rose Patterson stated that they are launching the biggest campaign to protect animals and the climate the UK has ever seen in April, despite the Mail on Sunday’s report. Patterson emphasised that the undercover reporter’s revelation of their plan will not prevent teachers, nurses, and others from acting to protect all life and begin a crucial conversation about our broken relationship with other animals. She argued that such a conversation is essential to tackle the root causes of the UK’s climate and ecological crises.
The Grand National has been criticised by animal rights activists for years, as 40 animals have died since 2000 due to the event. Patterson asked why people who say they love animals are okay with such a death toll, and stated that whether it is for food or sport, our relationship with animals is beyond broken. Animal Rebellion's plan to disrupt the race has caused concerns among racegoers and local residents and businesses. Merseyside Police stated that they have a robust policing plan in place for Aintree, as they do for any major public event, and will deal with any public order or criminal offences robustly.
The police also emphasised their respect for the right to peaceful protest and expression of views but emphasised that public order or criminal offences will not be tolerated. The Jockey Club, which runs the Grand National, has also expressed concerns about the protest and its potential impact on the race. The group has called for the government to ban horse racing, claiming it is both cruel to animals and environmentally damaging.
In summary, Animal Rebellion, an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion, is planning to disrupt the Grand National, one of the biggest horse races in the world, by forming a human barricade across the course at Aintree, Merseyside. Despite the revelation of their plan, the group has confirmed that their action will still go ahead. The Grand National has been criticised for its death toll of 40 animals since 2000, leading to Animal Rebellion calling for a ban on horse racing. Merseyside Police has warned that any public order or criminal offences will be dealt with robustly, and the Jockey Club has expressed concerns about the potential impact on the race. Photo by RacingKel, Wikimedia commons.