A huntsman was arrested this morning at a meet of the Chiddingfold, Leconfield and Cowdray Hunt after 2 anti hunt protestors were attacked. 3 ambulances and 3 police cars were called to the scene at Graffham in West Sussex.

Jonathan Broise, based at the Petworth kennels of the hunt, was taken to Chichester police station after he allegedly rode over Wendy Bridle and used his hunting horn as a weapon to strike the face of Paul Loader. Wendy suffered a dislocated shoulder and fractures. Paul received cuts to his face and a smashed tooth.

Local hunt saboteurs claim that Mr Broise is "out of control" and are concerned that if he is not stopped he could kill someone. Last week, Paul Loader made a statement of assault to the police after he was strangled by Broise. In that incident, a live fox was thrown to hounds, breaking the Master of Foxhounds Association's own rules.

Hunt Saboteurs Association spokesperson, Nathan Brown, stated "Broise is known well to hunt saboteurs as a violent man. He was cleared in Crown Court of a vicious assault on 2 saboteurs earlier this year. Since then he has acted as if he is untouchable." Referring to the progress of the Hunting Bill through Parliament the spokesperson added, "This incident illustrates that violence against animals and people is all part and parcel of hunting. Hunting groups have publicly made threats to target people opposed to hunting. This is the sort of behaviour pro-hunting members of the House of Lords are protecting."

*Still and video images are available of Wendy being loaded into the ambulance, Paul's injuries and Mr Broise.
*For further information on the HSA see website www.huntsabs.org.uk or
contact Press Officer, Nathan Brown 07815 313181


Hunt Saboteurs Association Press Office
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