Being passionate about something close to your heart is something you have deep within you, something you do not for the praise or the glory, but a simple belief that what you do has a part in changing something you feel is just totally wrong.
Over 3 years ago, a neighbour mentioned Camp Beagle to me and yes I was shocked, but at the same time eager to do something to change what we all know is wrong.
Over 3 years in and being local myself and my wife see us as being ‘true supporters of camp beagle’ as we tend to things we never thought we would be doing such as water deliveries, washing and ironing, secretarial services, battery changing, taxi services, accounts, websites to name but a few.
OK it hasn’t been plain sailing for either of us – Regretably we have both been ‘targeted’ by a certain Police Force for unwanted attention.
A 2 day Crown Court case which ended in being found unanimously not guilty of all charges – a pending Magistrates Court case which, in my opinion, shouldn’t have been been discussed let alone ‘approved’ by CPS and the Police – being pulled over whilst driving my car on 6 occasions in the space of 4 weeks for ‘routine’ purposes – being locked up in a cell for 24 hours and the case against me dropped – the list goes on.
Why do we do it? One word Passion.
As mentioned previously, it is not about the fame or the glory, it is all about the beagles and it’s my belief that even supporting Camp Beagle’s fabulous residents by doing their chores helps the cause (and yes myself and the wife are at camp most days with a placard in hand to welcome the workers early doors and waving them goodnight when they leave).
I am reminded each and every day of the plight of the beagles by hearing their screams generated from the sheds, the smell down the side of the puppy factory and most of all the utter despair and helplessness you feel with the death vans leave MBR with their precious, barking cargo.
Would I ever give up supporting Camp Beagle and just walk away?
Yes I would in a heartbeat.
The day that MBR, via their crack legal team, display on the Banksy daubed notice board that their valued client have seen sense and have ceased the production of Beagles to the vivisection industry – that would be the only time.
As Camp members say every day – Until every cage is empty.