Animal rights activists cleared over Doncaster Races protest due to lack of evidence
A group of animal rights activists who invaded Doncaster Racecourse and staged a sit down protest have been cleared after prosecutors offered no evidence.
Members of protest group Animal Rising broke onto the Town Moor track in May 2023, forcing racing to be delayed while they were removed.
Five people were charged following the demo,
But at a hearing at Sheffield Crown Court it was stated that the case had “been reviewed following receipt of expert evidence from the defence and, taking that and all circumstances into account, the Crown consider there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction and will offer no evidence.”
The defendants were taking part in a protest against horse racing. The start time of a race was delayed and the defendants were charged with the statutory offence of public nuisance
They were Zara Verryt, 34, of Sheldon Road, Sheffield, Johanna Grace, 26, of Twentywell Lane, Sheffield, Sarah Foy, 23, of North Street, Alfreton, Derbyshire, Joshua Lane, 26, of North Street, Alfreton, Derbyshire and Thomas Foy, 24, of Dannah Street, Ripley, Derbyshire
In a statement following the protest, Animal Rising said: “The need to address our heartbreaking disconnect from other animals and nature has never been more urgent.
“The UK government and police forces are increasing their crack down on peaceful protest, with the arrests at the Coronation hinting at the future of state control under the new Public Order Act.
“We are demanding an end to animal use and building a different future.
“Horse racing is a clear example of what needs to change. As a nation of of animal lovers, the time has come to stop the exploitation of beautiful, sentient beings.
“This summer we will bring the message that there is an alternative!”
The meeting was being covered live by Sky Sports Racing.
Presenter Tony Ennis told viewers at the time : “We can see the protesters. I can see some of the racecourse staff are out there. It looks like it’s Animal Rising again.
“They seem to have their hands tied. There is a big bolt cutter there. The security staff are heading over and they are going to lift them up and try and get them off the track.”