September 25, 2020
Sailesh Mehta and Matt Bainbridge represented animal rights activists charged with aggravated trespass and criminal damage in a Dolce & Gabbana store in London. The four defendants entered the store dressed as bunnies to demonstrate against the store’s sale of animal fur from Orylag rabbits which they said had been bred in France, in horrendously cruel circumstances. The four were found guilty after a three-day trial before DJ Rimmer at Hendon Magistrates’ Court. They were represented pro bono by their barristers and by Tuckers Solicitors. The “free bunnies” are considering an appeal.
During his closing speech, Sailesh Mehta said: “Generations to come may wonder how it is that we have come to this position in a civilised society – that we allow this level of cruelty to our fellow creatures. They may wonder why it is these activists who are in the dock rather than Dolce & Gabbana.”
A video produced to highlight the case is at: [Youtube video]
The Guardian Newspaper report on the trial is at:[The Guardian]