THE Countryside Alliance has hit out at an act of sabotage at Bewl Water in Kent last week, saying it “has all the hallmarks of animal rights activists.”

50,000 small trout were released from pens at Bewl Water last Tuesday night, causing an estimated £100,000 loss to the fishery.

Countryside Alliance angling spokesman Charles Jardine said: “This mindless act will have grave financial and sporting repercussions at Bewl and its surrounding area. In releasing these small fish those responsible are damaging the local economy through harming the angling interests of the area. Bewl attracts anglers not just from the local area but increasingly from throughout Europe.

“Animal rights activists are decreasing in numbers but those still involved are becoming more extreme, and their actions more desperate. We call on the Government to take this sabotage as seriously as the actions of animal rights organisations against other businesses and institutions. The Alliance will continue to monitor this activity and liaise with the Police at national and local level.”