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The meeting took place as intended on 11 May 2023 at 12pm. It was a small, private meeting room and quite intimate. Mr Kidby advised us that he lived in the UK and co- founded Animal Rising (then known as Animal Rebellion) approximately four years ago. Ms Waters advised that she had been recruited by Animal Rising as an activist, and that she lived in France on a farm and owned two thoroughbred horses and several ponies.
I exhibit a minute of the meeting at pages 8-9 of AS1 .
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During the meeting, both sides were clear and direct in their position. In respect of the Derby, Animal Rising confirmed that there were two strands to the action they were intending to take, the first, being a peaceful protest to be led by Ms Waters, (the Peaceful Protest the purpose of which was to inform and raise awareness of Animal and the second, a non-violent disruption of the race to be led by Mr Kidby Disruption ) the purpose of which was to prevent the Derby from taking place at all. In respect of the Peaceful Protest, we outlined our respect and support for this within the limits of the law. We advised that we were supportive of a Peaceful Protest at the Derby and offered to create a space for the protestors participating in the Peaceful Protest; we have since further arranged this directly with Animal Rising (see paragraphs 20-23 below). In respect of the Disruption, Animal Rising said that their aim was to stop the race but that they did not plan to interrupt during the running of the race. We requested details of their plans, but they would not disclose these to us. The Jockey Club outlined that the welfare and safety of all participants (including the horses) and those present at the Derby was our top priority, and the high risk that is posed to the safety of the horses, jockeys, public attendees, and protestors if the Derby is disrupted. Simon Knapp highlighted the differences between jump and flat horses and the routine and conditions that needed to be created for the welfare of the horse, explaining that any delay on a race day, poses a risk to the welfare of the animals. I refer to these matters 2 We asked whether there were any alternative means of Animal Rising achieving its objectives (particularly given our clear offer to accommodate the Peaceful Protest). They told us that our comments in respect of the welfare of the horses and all
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2 For further information of the impact on horse welfare and safety generally, I refer also to the Witness Statement of Nevin Trusedale.
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