Hundreds of animal activists gathered outside MBR Acres near Huntingdon on Saturday May 25 to protest against the puppy breeding facility.

Organised by campaign group Free The Beagles, Operation 1000 saw protestors - including a marching band - rally outside the company's gates in Wyton.

Activist travelled from as far away as Scotland, Wales and Devon to protest against MBR Acres at the weekend and one activist had even travelled from Spain.

MBR Acres, owned by US corporation Marshall Bioresources, operates at an eight-acre site on Sawtry Way.

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Their operations were largely unknown until footage was obtained in 2021 of beagles on site, which prompted regular protests outside the facility and lead to the formation of Camp Beagle. 

Camp Beagle is the longest running permanent animal right protest camp in the world and activists have maintained a presence outside MBR acres 24/7 since July 2021.  

Andrew Crisp, from Camp Beagle, said: "The atmosphere was charged with determination as an estimated 400 to 500 activists caused Cambridgeshire Constabulary to mount an operation to protect the facilities at MBR Acres.  

"Police closed the B1090 due the shear number of activists and stood protecting the gates as a group of drummers lead chants of 'Free the MBR Beagles'."

He added that the protest happened without any arrests, although one protestor was arrested the evening before, Friday May 24, for spray painting and pulling down a banner that hung from the gates of MBR Acres.  

Louise Ryan, a wheelchair user, daubed the banner with red paint before being arrested and was later released pending further investigation.  

MBR Acres says it breeds animals and supplies dogs to licensed laboratories or businesses for the purpose of animal testing and research. Its website adds that the company is "dedicated to maintaining high standards of animal welfare".

The Marshall BioResources website states: "We greatly respect and appreciate the role our animals continue to play in the development of life saving discoveries, medicines and treatments for humans and animals alike.

"Therefore, we believe our animals deserve the best possible treatment and care we can provide".

In December 2022, Animal Rebellion campaigners held a protest outside police headquarters in Huntingdon following the interception of two beagles after an incident at MBR Acres where 18 beagle puppies were taken during a break-in.

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