The organiser of Animal Rising sent one last message to the Express reporter who infiltrated the group of eco-activists. Eco-activist Beau King Houston claimed he had seen through reporter Max Perry’s act long before he revealed who he truly was.
He wrote in a text: “I knew you were a reporter from the moment you asked how many people I was expecting at the training. Your lack of authenticity was so apparent. Congrats. I hope your mum is proud.”
After Max revealed his identity, the journalist was booted from the group. During his month-long investigation, Max felt the pulse of the organisation and learned how they work.
Campaigning for the wellbeing of the horses, the group had previously attempted to stop the Grand National at Aintree.
In April, 118 protesters were arrested by police after they managed to delay the races by nearly 15 minutes by storming the security fences.
As a result, the Jockey Club obtained a High Court injunction which threatens jail for protesters attempting to disrupt the event, while race organisers previously warned similar demonstrations against the treatment of horses can actually endanger the animals.
Facing arrests, the exposé showed, is not a major concern for these activists.
During a training session ahead of the Derby, King Houston himself, who said to have been arrested several times, insisted he “never had a bad experience”, adding: “Honestly being in a cell is like being in a really s*** hotel room.
“There’s a button in the cell to press, which is basically what I call room service.
“You can ask to just be let out if you’re feeling a bit claustrophobic and they can sometimes let you have a walk-around.
“And you can get as much coffee and tea and water as you want. You just press the bell.
“I even had it once when I came out of the shower and I was like ‘do you have any moisturiser?’ and the guy said ‘I’ve got some, you can borrow some of mine’.”
Animal Rising – an offshoot of the militant eco-group Extinction Rebellion – campaigns for compelling social change towards animal rights and a plant-based food system.
