Eight Beagles Rescued From MBR Acres, Followed By Multiple Arrests
On 29 September, between 11pm and midnight, a few individuals breached the perimeter fence at MBR Acres and gained access to one of the sheds where beagles are kept.
Eight beagles were rescued and taken to safe, caring homes.
Camp Beagle received footage through its whistleblower phone showing individuals entering the facility and carrying out the rescue. Further footage showed three of the rescued beagles playing with toys after their release.
A woman called Bee Vegan remained inside the facility to be accountable for the rescue and was arrested. She was released the following day without charge but remains under investigation for burglary and is subject to bail conditions preventing her from attending Camp Beagle.
Bee has been an active and much-loved Camp Beagle supporter for the past year, bringing enthusiasm and renewed energy to the campaign.
However, it is important to make clear that Bee undertook this action independently. Camp Beagle was neither involved in planning the rescue nor aware that it was going to take place.
For five years, Camp Beagle has witnessed over ten thousand puppies being transported from MBR Acres to laboratories. The rescue of eight beagles brought enormous joy to campaigners and supporters.
1 October — Business as usual at MBR Acres
Two days after the rescue, an Impex van arrived at MBR Acres to collect puppies for transportation to a laboratory. Cambridgeshire Police escorted the vehicle into and out of the facility.
While eight beagles had been freed, other puppies continued to be transported to laboratories.
6 October — John Curtin arrested and Camp Beagle searched
At approximately 4pm, Cambridgeshire Police arrested Camp Beagle spokesperson John Curtin in connection with the rescue.
Police cordoned off the entire protest camp and conducted an extensive search, preventing supporters from accessing the tents, food and facilities for 23 hours.
John was detained for more than 24 hours before being released without charge. He remains under investigation, with bail conditions preventing him from attending Camp Beagle.
The police operation caused significant disruption, but Camp Beagle supporters stepped in to keep the camp running and the campaign going.
12 October — Sole arrested
Sole, another longstanding Camp Beagle spokesperson, was arrested in connection with the rescue.
She was subsequently released without charge but remains under investigation, with bail conditions preventing her from attending Camp Beagle.
Concerns about the police investigation
Both John and Sole were at Camp Beagle on the night of the rescue. Numerous eyewitnesses can confirm their presence, and we believe CCTV footage from MBR Acres should provide further evidence of their whereabouts.
The scale and consequences of the police investigation — the arrests of two key Camp Beagle supporters, the prolonged detention, the extensive search and the bail restrictions — appear to indicate a deliberate attempt to weaken Camp Beagle’s lawful campaign.
Camp Beagle will not give up. We are calling on everyone who can physically support the camp to come along, whether for a few hours or a few days. Contact us here if you can come over to camp. The puppies need everyone’s help.
Eight beagles are now free and will experience the love, care and freedom that every dog deserves.
Camp Beagle will continue exposing the breeding of dogs for laboratory experiments and campaigning for the closure of MBR Acres.
EIGHT ARE FREE. HUNDREDS STILL NEED US.
CAMP BEAGLE WILL NOT BE SILENCED.