Hunt saboteurs have disrupted shoots near Pateley Bridge at the start of the grouse shooting season.

Calder Valley Hunt Saboteurs ran a series of protests shortly after the ‘Glorious Twelfth’ — the date in August marking the beginning of the annual grouse shooting season.

The saboteurs targeted shoots on Heathfield Moor, Braithwaite Moor, Ramsgill Bents Moor and Stean Moor.

The group claimed on Facebook its protests led to “shooters sullenly trudging back to their vehicles” and cancelling their planned activities.

Hunt saboteurs protest in Nidderdale.

Mendip Hunt Saboteurs also took part in the protests. Both groups are part of the Hunt Saboteurs Association, which opposes the hunting of wildlife in Britain.

The saboteurs shared pictures on Facebook of the police arriving at the scene and claimed the police failed to “deter” them.

Read more:

• Grouse shooting in Nidderdale: barbaric or necessary?
• Ethical dilemmas to be discussed in Pateley Bridge

North Yorkshire Police’s community messaging website posted a message alerting people to the situation. It said:

“Anti-grouse shooting activists are operating in the area of Lofthouse and Ramsgill who are affecting local businesses and communities. Please report any issues of concern or suspicious vehicles to North Yorkshire Police on 101.”

Police responds to a protest.

The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Police for further details of the activists, including whether they were doing anything illegal.

A police spokesperson said:

“Local residents had reported unusual activity and unknown vehicles in the area, so a message was sent via community messenger to ensure local residents were aware of possible protest activity in the area and provide some reassurance.”