Of all the alarming behaviours exhibited by hunt saboteurs, the use of citronella (an animal repellent derived from the cymbopogon plant) spray to harm hounds is one of the most abhorrent.
Whether hunt saboteurs use the chemical is not a point of debate – hunts have collected hundreds of photographs of the practice and countless sab websites even advocate its use.
Saboteurs advise spraying citronella on trails to mislead the dogs and to cloud their sense of smell. Admittedly, some saboteur websites guide against spraying the dogs, but this advice is clearly not followed. Behind the Masks has received heaps of footage of sabs spraying dogs, whilst sabs even upload it in their own videos...
Why is citronella spray so harmful?
Citronella, recognized as a registered pesticide, possesses properties that can trigger allergic reactions and extreme distress in dogs. Reports suggest that its application on hunting dogs, as commonly done by saboteurs such as Keith Richardson, may lead to stomach irritation, vomiting, neurological abnormalities, and even pneumonia. This is a subject of extreme ethical concern and points to the inherent hypocrisy of these groups that claim to ‘love animals’.
Keith Richardson and friends, of East Hertfordshire Hunt sabs, with Bulldog whips and Citronella Spray.
Is using citronella legal?
The use of citronella also raises several legal issues. Firstly, spraying citronella at hounds is deemed a wildlife crime and can result in a criminal conviction. Furthermore, directing citronella at individuals, be they hunters or other saboteurs, may be legally classified as assault with an offensive weapon, which can result in a custodial sentence.
In addition to dousing the harmful chemical on living beings, saboteurs spray citronella on the ground to disrupt hounds' sense of smell. This practice contravenes pesticide legislation, as citronella is not intended for use on bare land or crops without proper authorization.
Many saboteurs, as encouraged by sab websites, appear to be using citronella without the necessary qualifications. Applying citronella legally requires individuals to hold the PA1 and PA6 certificates, indicating competence in pesticide use. Given the widespread encouragement for anyone to use citronella spray, it is doubtful that most, if any, saboteurs possess these licenses or adhere to the proper application guidelines.
The continued use of citronella chemicals once again demonstrates sabs’ failure to balance their beliefs with legal and responsible conducts. Hunt saboteurs live in a state of denial – advocating passionately for animal rights, whilst at the same time harming innocent hounds in pursuit of their radical agenda.
We at Behind The Masks encourage the public to be vigilant for the use of citronella and report any suspected instances to the police, along with photographic evidence where possible.
