Security warning as animal activist is fined

Police in the south west have warned poultry producers to double-check security following a raid on a unit by animal welfare militants.

Mark Organ, 46, from Lancing, West Sussex, was found guilty of conspiracy to steal when he appeared before Bournemouth Crown Court this week (17 June). He was fined £1500.

The court heard that Mr Organ and seven others had planned to break into a poultry unit near Wimborne, Dorset, and remove birds they considered diseased or unhealthy. The plot was only foiled when a security guard spotted their van parked outside the unit late at night.

It was said in mitigation for Mr Organ that he acted not for financial gain, but for his personal beliefs. But passing sentence Judge James Meston said: “It is clear you have a long-standing serious concern about the welfare of animals, and believe yourself to be morally justified in stealing chickens.

“I do not suppose the verdict of the jury will alter your views. There was no evidence the farm was run unlawfully or improperly.”

After the case a spokesman for police in Dorset commented: ” All businesses should have adequate security but, in this sensitive area, poultry units should double-check that their security is of a high standard.”