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“I Was Absolutely Terrified”: Dorset Woman Reveals Her Experience Of Being Followed By Two Men For Twenty Minutes

The South Dorset Hunt (SDH) has developed a reputation for its relentless intimidation tactics, designed to deter hunt saboteurs and silence those who stand against their actions. The events of 4 January serve as a stark reminder of the group’s behaviour, as supporters reached new lows by targeting and harassing female saboteurs in an attempt to undermine their efforts. These acts of aggression add to a growing catalogue of intimidation and violence that has plagued the hunt’s opponents for years.

A Day of Harassment

On 4 January, members of Weymouth Animal Rights (WAR) and Two Counties Hunt Saboteurs worked tirelessly to disrupt the South Dorset Hunt’s activities, employing non-violent methods to prevent the hunt from killing wildlife. Using citronella sprays to mask animal scents and deploying drones to monitor the hunt’s movements, the saboteurs successfully hindered the hounds from pursuing their quarry. Photographic evidence captured deer fleeing in panic, while hounds were spotted causing chaos on a country road as the hunt continued its reckless pursuit.

Despite these efforts to protect wildlife, the saboteurs themselves became the targets of aggression. WAR reported a disturbing account of male hunt supporters harassing and physically intimidating female saboteurs, as well as stalking a lone woman who was returning to her vehicle. This incident underscores the culture of misogyny and hostility that appears to permeate the hunt and its supporters.

WAR described the events, stating:

“The goons had been called in a last-ditch attempt by the SD to shed sabs, and their first target was a female sab. They pushed and shoved her around, even though she was on a footpath, and they managed to steal her citronella spray from her and spray her in the face before turning their attentions elsewhere.”

This escalation of aggression reached its peak when two men, identified by the saboteurs as Tony Swain and Martin Burgess, began stalking a lone woman who was walking back to her group’s Land Rover. According to WAR:

“Now picture this: a woman on her own is walking back from a friend’s house. Then, out of the blue, a truck pulls up behind her with two male occupants inside. They start to follow her. They don’t say anything to her; they just pull up behind her and follow her slowly. Now, what do you think this lone woman would be feeling—fear, anxiety and stress? Do you think she might be wondering what these men want from her? Maybe she’s fearing assault, sexual assault or even rape. Ask any woman who has been in that situation and you will no doubt get the same answer.”

Tony Swain (Photo by WAR[/caption]

“I Was Absolutely Terrified”

The woman, whose identity is protected for her safety, recounted her harrowing experience:

“I was absolutely terrified. I didn’t know what they were going to do to me.”

Drone footage captured by WAR confirmed the woman’s isolation during the ordeal. The two men followed her for 20 minutes, during which time she was completely alone, far from other saboteurs or members of the public. WAR’s report described the pursuit as deliberate and calculated, suggesting that the men turned away from the main hunt and other saboteurs to single her out.

A History of Violence and Intimidation

The events of 4 January are not an isolated incident. The South Dorset Hunt has a long and troubling history of targeting hunt saboteurs and monitors with violence and intimidation. These actions appear to be part of a wider strategy to discourage opposition and maintain a culture of impunity.

One of the most shocking incidents occurred in December 2022, when saboteurs woke to find that the tyres of 17 vehicles had been slashed. This act of sabotage was clearly aimed at preventing them from attending the hunt’s Boxing Day meet, one of the most infamous dates in the hunting calendar.

In another appalling incident that same month, a 77-year-old hunt monitor from Weymouth Animal Rights was brutally attacked with an iron bar by SDH supporters as he attempted to observe the hunt. The attack left the elderly man with serious injuries, highlighting the extreme lengths to which some supporters are willing to go to protect their so-called “sport.”

Other incidents include:

  • 12 January 2023: An independent monitor in his seventies was struck with metal shot from a catapult, causing severe bruising. On the same day, SDH supporters threw two dead foxes into a saboteur’s garden in a grotesque display of intimidation.
  • July 2024: Ex-huntsman Josh Tierney was found guilty of racially and religiously aggravated harassment after directing homophobic and xenophobic abuse at a WAR saboteur.

These incidents paint a picture of a hunt and its supporters that are willing to resort to violence, harassment, and criminal behaviour to defend their activities.

A Culture of Misogyny

The misogynistic nature of the South Dorset Hunt’s harassment was starkly evident during the events of 4 January. The deliberate targeting of female saboteurs—through physical intimidation, theft, and stalking—suggests that their actions were not only about protecting the hunt but also about exerting power and control over women.

WAR highlighted the gendered aspect of this behaviour, pointing out the psychological toll it takes on its victims:

“It’s hard enough standing up to these people and protecting wildlife, but when you’re a woman facing this kind of deliberate intimidation, it’s utterly terrifying. These men knew exactly what they were doing. They wanted her to feel fear.”

The use of stalking as a tactic is particularly insidious. As WAR pointed out, it taps into a universal fear experienced by women, making it a uniquely cruel and degrading form of harassment.

Challenging the South Dorset Hunt

The actions of the South Dorset Hunt and its supporters have not gone unnoticed. Animal rights groups, local communities, and independent monitors continue to document and expose the hunt’s behaviour, calling for stronger enforcement of anti-hunting laws and greater protections for those who stand against illegal and unethical practices.

Hunting with dogs was banned in England and Wales under the 2004 Hunting Act, yet trail hunting—ostensibly a legal alternative—has often been used as a cover for illegal hunting. The events involving the South Dorset Hunt raise serious questions about the enforcement of this legislation and the role of law enforcement in holding hunts accountable.

WAR and other groups have called for greater transparency and stronger legal consequences for hunts that break the law. They also continue to advocate for the safety of saboteurs and monitors, many of whom risk their physical and mental wellbeing to protect wildlife.

A Call for Action

The ongoing harassment of hunt saboteurs by the South Dorset Hunt and its supporters is a symptom of a broader issue: the culture of impunity surrounding fox hunting in the UK. Despite the 2004 Hunting Act, illegal hunting persists, with violence and intimidation often used to silence those who stand against it.

It is crucial that the government, law enforcement, and the public take a stand against this behaviour. Animal rights activists and hunt monitors play a vital role in exposing illegal hunting and protecting wildlife, but they should not have to do so at the expense of their safety and wellbeing.

The events of 4 January are a chilling reminder of the lengths to which some will go to defend fox hunting. But they are also a testament to the courage and determination of those who stand against it. As the South Dorset Hunt and its supporters continue their campaign of harassment, it is more important than ever to support the individuals and groups who work to uphold the law and protect animals from cruelty.

This issue goes beyond the boundaries of hunting. It is about standing up to bullying, misogyny, and violence in all its forms—and sending a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated in a civilised society.

Please show your support for Weymouth Animal Rights, who work tirelessly to stop this hunt from killing foxes. They face constant intimidation but will not be deterred. Donate here.

The above content was sourced from Protect The Wild

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