AN Ince Blundell animal shelter became the target of a dawn raid in a Europe-wide police crackdown on animal rights extremism. Special Branch officers swooped on Freshfields Animal Rescue Centre, on Tuesday, at 5.30am, as part of Operation Achilles. Around 30 to 40 police officers were said to be on the site, along with 12 police vehicles and a tarpaulin covering the search scene. Shocked staff were forced to stay away and instead looked on at the roadside as detectives scoured the centre for evidence which continued until 6.30pm. Premises across the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands were also searched during the operation led by Hampshire Police. Of the 32 people arrested, 17 remain in custody, 14 were released on police bail and one man was released without charge. No arrests were made in connection with the operation at Freshfields. Documents, mobile phones, computer equipment and quantities of cash totalling around £100,000 were among items seized during the international searches. Freshfields trustee, Marge Albert, said the raid was a “total shock” and that the centre has “nothing to hide”. She was at the centre within ten minutes of receiving the news of the police operation. “To be honest I thought it was going to be a few police on the site,” said Marge. “But when I got there there was a big tent up, about 12 police vehicles and there must have been 30 to 40 police officers – it’s an enormous operation. “It is a total shock because we have nothing to hide. “We don’t mind the police doing checks on us any time, but at the moment we want to feed our animals.” An RSPCA inspector was at the centre to tend to the sick and vulnerable animals while the search was carried out. One man was arrested at the site on suspicion of causing a breach of the peace but was later released without charge. Another woman was also arrested for a suspected breach of the peace and assault. Merseyside Police today confirmed she was released without charge on the breach of the peace offence, but has been bailed pending further enquiries into the assault charge. Freshfields manager Dave Callender was jailed for eight years in 1994 for conspiracy to commit arson on animal rights “targets”. He said: “I am not proud of my past but all that was a long time ago and we have absolutely nothing to hide. “Yes, there are a few old hippies here who were part of the hunt saboteur scene or in stopping badger baiting, but the work we do now is totally legitimate. “This centre is purely about animal welfare and is nothing to do with animal rights groups.” Hampshire Constabulary Assistant Chief Constable Steve Watts, said: “There may be some minor disruption to communities where the searches are taking place. “Police officers from the local forces are working to minimise any inconvenience to people in these areas.” l TWO dogs from the centre have gone missing as a result of the police raid. Kane is an eight-year-old Collie-sized dog, described as a rich golden, ginger and white colour, very friendly and is micro-chipped. Pedro, who was last seen in Lunt, is an Akita cross German Shephard, also aged eight and is a shaggy golden and creamy colour, but is described as very nervous. Anyone who sees either dog is asked to contact Freshfields on 931 1604. | 
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