Animal Rising accused of 'reckless' and 'thoughtless' endangering the safety of horses and people following Derby protest

Animal Rising has promised to stop the Derby. Credit: PA Wire/Mike Egerton

Surrey Police also previously previewed plans to disrupt the world's most famous flat race by arresting 19 people on suspicion of conspiring to harm the community.

A total of 11 people were arrested and taken into custody early Saturday morning at addresses in Mitcham and Byfleet on warrants based on intelligence, and eight more were detained after a car was stopped behind the Canons Lane racetrack in Burg Heath approximately three hours before the start of the race at 13:30.

Another 12 people were arrested at the Epsom Downs racetrack. The police statement also appeared to contradict Animal Rising's version of events, and it specifically stated that the man had entered the racetrack after the Derby had started. “Our staff and security responded quickly and decisively after a man ran onto the race track after the start of the race,” said Chief Superintendent Clive Davis.

“We will not tolerate criminal behavior that puts lives in danger, including animals, jockeys, security personnel and our officers.»

Animal Rising's statement highlighted reports of facial recognition cameras around Epsom Downs and said the arrests were «another example of the government trying to announce outlaw all protests and ignore critical social issues.”

“We are seeing an intense police operation to protect the interests of a multi-billion dollar industry that the majority of the population, as a nation of animal lovers, considers cruel to horses,” said Dan Kidby, co-founder of Animal Rising. .

“A horse dies in the race every day. Animal Rising will not stop trying to bring these issues to the forefront of the public agenda and demand change.» The next big hotspot is expected later this month at Royal Ascot.

Truesdale said the racing industry has spent £40m on welfare over the past two decades and claimed the horses are getting 'fantastic care'. The Jockey Club offered the protesters a seat at the entrance to the racecourse for a demonstration, which was attended by about 40 activists.

Animal Rising later said that their plan to disrupt the Derby was a success. “This is a huge success, not only did someone take to the track, but we started a nationwide conversation about what is happening with horses,” said spokeswoman Louise Hillwood.