Animal Rising sentenced after causing about £100k of damage at Arla site

On 8 September 2022, several members of the protest group Animal Rising, then known as Animal Rebellion, broke into a dairy distribution centre on Mosquito Way, causing around £100,000 worth of damage in 20 minutes, Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed. 

Following an extensive investigation, officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Public Order Crime Team arrested and charged 14 people with conspiracy to cause criminal damage.  

One of these left the country following the expiration of their visa, and an arrest warrant remains outstanding. 

St Albans Crown Court heard how some of those who entered the site used cordless drills to make holes in the tyres of lorries waiting at the yard, and bolt cutters to cut off the air valves in what was described as a ‘planned and deliberate’ incident. 

Eight people pleaded guilty to the offences and were sentenced across two hearings on 31st July and 5th August. 

Another five people pleaded not guilty to the offences and were convicted by a jury following a three-week trial. 

READ MORE: Animal Rising U-turns on plans to ‘rescue’ over 100 animals from British farms

READ MORE: King’s portrait targeted by animal rights activists 

Culmination of two years of work 

Hertfordshire Constabulary said that five further suspects were arrested in connection with the incident but failed to answer their bail having fled to the Czech Republic, and their arrest warrants remain outstanding. 

Inspector Donna Norris, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Public Order Crime Team and Senior Investigating Officer, said: “The sentences passed down by the courts are a culmination of nearly two years’ worth of work in what has been a challenging and complex investigation. 

“These 13 defendants turned up at a dairy distribution centre and caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage. They were protesting around climate change and animal welfare and, regardless of your views on the topic, this does not mean you can take the law into your own hands and damage property belonging to others. 

“This was a pre-planned incident, with much of it filmed and posted on social media. I hope these sentences will reassure the public that we will deal with matters such as these seriously, and that offenders will be brought to justice.” 

The judge also awarded a commendation to Inspector Norris and her colleague Detective Constable Chris Aherne for their work throughout the complex case. 

Deterred from protesting 

Claudia Penna-Rojas, Animal Rising spokesperson, said: “Arla do not need compensation; they recorded profits of €380 million in 2023.  

“This ruling is really about trying to make sure people are deterred from protesting against the harm done by Arla and other large companies to the environment, humans and other animals. However, history teaches us that people will not be stopped by such measures and will continue to speak out. 

“As climate and ecological breakdown continues along with an escalating farming crisis, addressing animal and environmental health, as well as the struggles facing farmers, is needed now more than ever.  

“We need the government to lead the transition to a just and sustainable plant-based food system for a world where animals and humans can live together peacefully.” 

Sick and tired of disruption 

The Countryside Alliance has welcomed the sentencing. Its external affairs director, Mo Metcalf-Fisher, said: “This so-called action was nothing more than blatant hooliganism and vandalism. It is right that the offenders have been brought to justice.  

“The public are sick and tired of seeing disruption caused by a handful of obsessive, warped activists and it is commendable that Hertfordshire Constabulary pursued this case so rigorously. 

“Dairy is enjoyed by the vast bulk of people in this country who appreciate the health benefits that come with it. If people want to drink plant-based alternatives, that’s their right, but these activists should not inflict their dietary preferences on anyone else.” 

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