Fox hunting had been banned under the Hunting Act in November 2004 by Royal Assent before coming into law on 18th February 2005. In 2008 a leaked document in a national newspaper hinted at a new ‘Civil Liberties Bill’ under the Conservative government that was to include the return of fox hunting.
Anne had been working for many years on developing soft release techniques for foxes and other wildlife rescued by Harper Asprey and used Brian. Working with wildlife on the front line gave Brian experienced first hand of the problems they face and their unique individual needs. Brian had always loved all wildlife but foxes held a special place in his heart. The prospect of these sentient and beautiful creatures being once again legally torn apart by dogs horrified both of them. They could not stand by while the clock was turned back to legalise this barbaric practice.
To begin with both Anne and Brian teamed up with another national organisation to start the fight but when they were told they had to campaign without mentioning politics they had to rethink their position. Many of the issues that face our wildlife today are unfortunately embroiled in politics. In our experience political parties can take views and stances based on their history and votes at the cost of science and ethics, so politics is usually a key element in wildlife campaigning.
Brian is very well know in parliament as a compassionate campaigner, he’s not a just another ‘celebrity name’ It is his charity, he’s driven and extremely hard working , he reads all of the science papers, considers every side of the debate and is not afraid to work in unique coalitions. He understands all of the issues he campaigns on, he’s a strong driving force and together with Anne they’re a force of nature.
Going it alone meant they needed their own identity, and so Save Me was launched. The name Save Me was suggested by Brian’s wife Anita, from the famous Queen song penned by Brian. The Save Me logo is a black and white image of Alisha, a fox cub very well known to Brian. Alisha fell off a roof in London and was brought to Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue. She was eventually soft released on site at Save Me HQ in Windlesham she lived safely and happily there for over six years and is still our inspiration.
Save Me was set up officially as a charity in 2010 to give wild animals a voice and this work continues today. Save Me is well known for finding sustainable solutions to complex issues by involving all sides to work in coalition as equal partners. Save Me greeted the world with billboards, songs, marches, debates and as seasoned campaigners they have met with minsters, prime ministers and community groups.
Today the trust focuses on amending the Hunting Act , ending the atrocity that is the badger cull and finding solutions to sustain wildlife habitats through development, while ensuring that integrity, ethics and humaneness support the policies and politics that underpin how our country is run today. Onwards…..
