Ben Newman Hackney & McGovern: Beagle Puppy Theft Trial

Key Points

• Ben Newman, 35, from Hackney, East London, and Nathan McGovern from Lewisham are among 18 defendants accused of burglary after activists from Animal Rising allegedly stole 20 Beagle puppies from MBR Acres, a dog breeding facility in Cambridgeshire, on 29 December 2022.
• Newman told police, “I rescued as many beautiful Beagle puppies as I could from a life of hell,” following the break-in at the facility which breeds dogs for animal testing.
• Court footage showed activists in pink t-shirts reading “What would you do if this was your dog?” kissing and cradling puppies as they passed them over a ladder and fence under cover of darkness.
• Videos from inside B4 building depicted dogs whimpering in metal cages, with activists climbing in to remove them; two dogs recovered at the scene on Sawtry Way, Wyton, Huntingdon, but 18 never returned to MBR (Marshall BioResources).
• Prosecutor Mitchell Cohen described the incident as an “organised, planned operation.”
• The trial involves 18 people accused of involvement with Animal Rising, formerly Animal Rebellion.

Ben Newman, from Hackney, and Nathan McGovern, from Lewisham, face trial accused of burglary as part of an Animal Rising activist group that allegedly stole 20 Beagle puppies from a Cambridgeshire facility breeding dogs for animal testing in December 2022. Newman reportedly told police he had “rescued” the dogs from a “life of hell,” as jurors viewed footage of activists cradling the animals during the nighttime raid, according to reports from MyLondon.news.​

Who Are the Accused Londoners Facing Trial?

Ben Newman, 35, residing in Hackney, East London, stands accused alongside 17 others of participating in the burglary at MBR Acres. As detailed in coverage by MyLondon.news, Newman confessed to police upon apprehension:

“I rescued as many beautiful Beagle puppies as I could from a life of hell.”

Nathan McGovern, from Lewisham, South London, forms part of the same group of defendants linked to Animal Rising, the activist organisation formerly known as Animal Rebellion.

The prosecution alleges both men were integral to the operation targeting the facility on Sawtry Way, Wyton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. No additional statements from McGovern appear in initial reports, but both deny the burglary charges as the trial unfolds at Cambridge Crown Court.

What Happened During the Alleged Beagle Breeding Facility Break-In?

Jurors viewed body-worn footage capturing activists dressed in pink t-shirts emblazoned with “What would you do if this was your dog?” as they kissed, cradled, and passed Beagle puppies up a ladder and over a perimeter fence in darkness. Internal videos from the B4 building illustrated dozens of dogs appearing to whimper while standing against metal cage sides, with intruders climbing inside to extract them.

As reported across sources, police recovered two dogs at the scene, yet 18 remain unreturned to MBR Acres, the facility specialising in breeding Beagles for biomedical research including animal testing. Prosecutor Mitchell Cohen labelled the event an “organised, planned operation,” emphasising premeditation in his opening statements to the court.

Why Did Activists Target MBR Acres for the Puppy Theft?

MBR Acres breeds Beagles specifically for scientific purposes, including animal testing, drawing ire from groups like Animal Rising opposed to such practices. The facility’s role in supplying dogs for laboratory experiments positioned it as a focal point for direct action by the activists.

Footage played this week underscores the emotional appeal of the raid, showing tender interactions with the puppies amid claims of liberation from suffering. The group’s rebranding from Animal Rebellion to Animal Rising signals continued campaigns against animal exploitation in research.

How Did Police Respond to the Cambridgeshire Burglary?

Authorities swiftly attended the Wyton site, recovering two Beagles on location but unable to retrieve the remaining 18. Investigations traced involvement to 18 individuals, including the two Londoners, leading to charges of burglary under the Theft Act.

The operation’s scale prompted a coordinated response, with body-cam evidence pivotal in court proceedings. Prosecutor Cohen highlighted logistical planning, from attire to execution under night cover, in building the case against the defendants.

What Evidence Was Presented to Jurors in Court?

Body-worn camera footage dominated proceedings, depicting activists handling puppies affectionately during extraction. Internal security videos from B4 showed distressed dogs pressing against cages as climbers accessed them.

These visuals, played this week at Cambridge Crown Court, formed core prosecution exhibits. Newman’s post-arrest statement directly referenced “rescuing beautiful Beagle puppies,” aligning with activist narratives of mercy.

Who Is Animal Rising and What Is Its Connection to the Case?

Animal Rising, evolved from Animal Rebellion, orchestrates high-profile disruptions against animal agriculture and testing. The 18 accused purportedly form part of this network, targeting MBR Acres in a bid to halt Beagle breeding for labs.

No official group statement appears in court filings, but t-shirt slogans in footage tie actions to their messaging. Defendants maintain innocence, framing involvement if any as non-criminal protest.

When and Where Did the Incident Unfold?

The break-in occurred on 29 December 2022 at MBR Acres on Sawtry Way, Wyton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. Trial testimonies this week at Cambridge Crown Court revisited the nighttime events.

The site’s rural positioning facilitated covert entry, with activists navigating fences and buildings undetected initially. Recovery efforts centred on the immediate vicinity.

What Are the Legal Charges Against Ben Newman and Nathan McGovern?

Both face burglary charges, with prosecutors alleging theft of 20 dogs valued for breeding stock. The case hinges on proving intent to permanently deprive MBR Acres of the animals.

Defences contest criminality, potentially invoking beliefs in animal welfare imperatives. Mitchell Cohen’s narrative stresses commercial loss and premeditation.

How Has MBR Acres Been Impacted by the Missing Beagles?

Eighteen unrecovered puppies represent significant loss to the breeding programme supplying research institutions. Two site recoveries mitigated minor damage, but long-term breeding disruptions linger.

Company representatives yet to testify, but Cohen noted operational setbacks. Facility security likely bolstered post-incident.

What Do the Defendants Claim About the ‘Rescue’ Operation?

Newman’s statement portrays actions as humanitarian: “I rescued beautiful puppies from a life of hell.” No direct quotes from McGovern surface, but collective denials challenge burglary labels.

Prosecution footage contrasts tender handling with alleged criminality. Jury deliberations await full evidence.

Why Is This Trial Significant for Animal Rights Activism?

The case tests boundaries between protest and property crime amid rising direct actions. Outcomes could influence future Animal Rising tactics and legal precedents for lab animal liberations.

Public interest swells in East London boroughs like Hackney and Lewisham, home to defendants. Neutral observers monitor for impacts on biomedical research ethics.

In broader context, the trial spotlights tensions between animal welfare advocacy and scientific breeding enterprises, with all 18 defendants pleading not guilty as proceedings continue. Cambridge Crown Court schedules further witness testimonies, ensuring exhaustive examination of the 2022 events.