Killing For Kicks – Exeter Rally, July 25th 2026

Objecting to stag hunting in a public place is really difficult. Last time, in Lynmouth, police had to attend our outreach because of threats we received from the stag hunt followers. They showed up too, and tried to intimidate us away. We stayed, however. Of course we did.

The Exeter Rally was on a much bigger scale. The stag hunts hate it when we draw attention to their hideous doings.

A good number of people turned up, and we thank them enormously. We know how much courage it takes to stand up and be counted. We had quite a range of ages with us – very good to see.

Alyson Rogers (organiser), was pleased with how the rally went:

“The meeting point was the Cathedral Green,” she said “We marched through Queen Street to Exeter Central Station, with everyone carrying banners and placards, and a few people wearing stag masks (although it was a bit hot for them!). We chanted all the way, and many shoppers stopped to film or photograph the procession.

At Central Station, we held the speeches. Pip’s speech was read beautifully by Mikey, followed by Jac from LACS, who gave a very informative talk about what we all need to do to push for a ban. Then Kevin gave a heartfelt and shocking account of the years he has spent monitoring hunts and campaigning, yet we are still fighting the same battle.

The photographs on the display board, taken by Kevin, brought his words to life. They illustrated the terrible reality of stags being chased to exhaustion and then carved up as trophies for bloodthirsty hunters, revealing the callous attitude of those who take part in this so-called sport. It was incredibly moving.

We then returned down Queen Street and carried out a slow march up and down the High Street, distributing leaflets. Some people even approached us to ask for one, showing that there was genuine interest and openness to finding out more about what we were campaigning for.

I think we made a real impact on Exeter.”

Participants all agreed that Kevin’s speech was very moving. You can hear his speech by clicking on the audio link below.

Jac Freeman (League Against Cruel Sports) told us:

“Today, the three stag hunts in the South West continue to flout the law. They exploit loopholes in the Hunting Act with sham excuses – pretending to “rescue” a wild mammal by chasing it for miles before shooting it, or claiming “research” as they whip and hound a stag until it collapses from exhaustion. But all of us here see through that smokescreen. And that is exactly why we are here today” “The Government has completed its consultation, and we know tens of thousands of you responded. You made it clear: banning trail hunting alone is not enough. Loopholes must be closed. Stag hunting can’t be ignored. And for the first time, I am genuinely hopeful that meaningful change is close – but this time, we must get it right. The Government can’t make the same mistakes it did in 2004, we can’t trust the hunts to stop their cruel activities just because it’s the law.” “We need a laser-focused, united effort to make the case that the Hunting Act must be comprehensively strengthened. The country is with us – the public is on our side, polling shows that – but Parliament needs to hear it loud and clear”

We are hugely grateful for the support of the League, and hope to work with them on future rallies.

Devon Live reported on the event.

Pip Donovan, 28th July 2026