More than 100 activists were arrested at one of the world’s most famous horse races in England, according to reports.
Police said that a total of 118 people were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and public nuisance offenses in an attempt to disrupt the Grand National race.
More than 300 protesters scaled the high fences surrounding the racetrack outside of Liverpool a few minutes before the race was set to begin.
According to the Animal Rising organization, several people used glue and lock-on devices to attach themselves to the race fences before being removed by law enforcement and security officials.
Other activists were seen being stopped by police and security officials shaking the perimeter walls to prevent them from being climbed. Locals were also seen assisting security in keeping protestors away from the course.
Due to the disruption, the race was delayed by 15 minutes. The 39 competing horses were kept in the parade ring as officials dealt with the situation.
“We respect the right to peaceful protest and expression of views but criminal behavior and disorder will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly,” police said.
Animal Rising activist Alex Lockwood said that they planned to disrupt the Grand National because standing outside and handing out fliers “never stopped anything.”
“This horrific ‘sport’ continues to take lives right in front of our eyes. It’s time to BAN this horrific industry,” the organization wrote on Saturday.
The Grand National is one of the most prestigious sporting events in Britain, and because of the height of the fences, it is also regarded as one of the riskiest horse races in the world.
Following the deaths of two horses in 2011 and 2012, changes were made to make the course safer, including softening some of the fences.
This comes after a string of demonstrations across Europe, most recently with the case of activists blocking traffic in Paris, France. The incident occurred in December last year when activists from the group “Dernière Rénovation” brought traffic to a standstill. Frustrated drivers then took matters into their own hands and threw the protesters like rag dolls off the road.
