Hunt Saboteurs Association New Members Pack (1987. Exeter, England.)

The Hunt Saboteurs Association is among the most important organizations in the history of animal rights. Starting in 1963, it was one of the first protest organizations for animals in the modern era. More importantly, its means were always direct action oriented, and the atmosphere of local HSA meet ups encouraged humans to examine how to best interact with animals.

Years prior to the publication of Animal Liberation (a book which the media falsely credits with launching the animal rights movement), “sabs” were out in the fields of England laying false scents, blowing horns to confuse hunting dogs, and even sometimes sabotaging the vehicles of hunt supporters. It was this type of activity which led to some members of the HSA to begin considering how else they could contribute to the movement. It is common knowledge that a small group of HSA members formed the Band of Mercy, an underground organization that eventually morphed into the Animal Liberation Front. What is less known is the role that the organization played developing the people who would go on to shape our ideas and tactics.

Conflict Gypsy will be presenting a wide variety of hunt saboteur literature on the site in the coming months. In the meantime, this starter pack is a good primer on the philosophies and tactics of the HSA.