What to do if you or your business is targeted by anti-hunt activists

Even though anti-hunt activists are very small in number, if you are targeted it can be a frightening and unpleasant experience.

With the explosion of social media such as Facebook and Twitter has come the rise of internet bullying and therefore this advice maybe useful for anyone experiencing such action. Firstly, report the details to the police via the non-emergency 101 number who, based on the full facts, will advise what offences are being committed. However, the offences that may be considered are:

1. Main offence if directed at particular businesses or people – Harassment

• I have received threatening/nuisance emails/texts/phone calls. What can I do?
• Somebody keeps ringing/texting me and waiting for me outside work. I think they are stalking me, what can I do?

2. In relation to messages on Facebook/Twitter/websites – Malicious communications

• Somebody is sending me threatening/abusive messages/offences on social media. What can I do?

3. E-mails or other electronic messages, if they are menacing in character – could be misuse of communications

4. Could also be possible public order offences – words/messages could fall under sections 4A or 5 of the Public Order Act 1986, depending on the circumstances

5. If they are openly planning physical action (turning up at the hotel on a particular day to target the business) – depending what they are planning, they could be conspiring to commit a public order offence.