On 2/5/24, two Animal Rising supporters were found guilty of “wilful obstruction of a public highway” at South Sefton Magistrates Court following a two-day trial.
The pair had blocked access roads around Aintree racecourse on 15/4/23 as others scaled fences and entered the racecourse, delaying the Grand National by around 15 minutes.
They were each sentenced to pay fines of £250, a victim surcharge of £100, and prosecution costs of £200.
One of the defendants also received an additional £100 fine and £40 costs because they were breaching a conditional discharge.
In the first trial relating to the disruption of the 2023 Grand National, two individuals have been found guilty of blocking roads around the racecourse. Animal Rising has said their actions “helped shine the spotlight onto our broken relationship with animals and the natural world.”
Rosa Sharkey, one of those convicted, said:
“Despite today’s verdict, it’s clear that the British public is moving away from cruel and harmful industries like horse racing. It’s time for us all to truly embrace what it means to be a nation of animal lovers and work to create a world where animals currently in horse racing, farming - or even the army - can live free and happy lives.”
Animal Rising is a social movement to create a new relationship with all beings and give us a chance for a safe ecological future. The group primarily calls for the transition to a secure and sustainable plant-based food system, alongside a mass rewilding programme.
ENDS
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