Member-only story
Who was Barry Horne?
Barry Horne was a committed l activist responsible for many of the most daring rescues in animal liberation movement history. Barry tragically died in prison on November 5th, 2001 after 68 days on hunger strike, while he was serving an 18 year sentence for illegal direct action targeting animal abusers.
His hunger strike demand was a British government inquiry into the animal testing industry. It was a promise many Labour Party politicians had made and reneged on.
Barry’s actions and commitment to his principles while in prison galvanized the U.K. animal liberation movement.
During his hunger strikes, cats destined for animal testing laboratories were liberated from Hill Grove Farm. Beagles slated to be tortured by vivisectors were liberated from Consort Kennels. Trucks were set ablaze and completely destroyed at a chicken slaughterhouse. Rabbits were liberated from a facility that bred the docile animals for animal research. 600 guinea pigs were liberated from Newchurch Guinea Pig Farm.
The government intended to use Barry's imprisonment to send a message to all who fought for animal liberation. It completely backfired.
In the years since Barry’s death, the first week of November always sees an increase in illegal direct action. Hundreds of animals have been liberated around the world and so many animal abusers have been forced into bankruptcy in Barry’s memory.
I underwent several hunger strikes while in prison, but never approached anywhere near 68 days. And never with as selfless a demand as Barry had made. Selfless is the only word I can think of to describe him.
The world would be a better place if Barry were still alive.
The world would be radically different if just a few others were as dedicated and unrelenting as Barry was. I’ll forever mourn Barry’s absence. “Labour lied, Barry died.”
One of my favorite stories about Barry Horne:
On March 17, 1990 Barry and other activists entered Harlan-Interfauna's vivisection labs through holes they punched in the roof, removing 82 beagle puppies and 26 rabbits. They also removed documents listing Interfauna's customers. It was Barry’s Birthday.
The picture was taken after the lab raid.
Joseph Buddenberg
