Eighteen activists appeared in court this morning (Thursday) accused of stealing 20 dogs from a Cambridgeshire facility that rears puppies for animal testing.

The defendants - who are part of the group Animal Rising – have each been charged with one count of burglary following the incident at MBR Acres, in Wyton.  

It is alleged they entered the facility’s B4 building on December 20, 2022 and stole the dogs.  

All 18 had travelled from across the country for their first hearing at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court where they entered not guilty pleas.  

Their cases have now been referred to crown court for trial.

District Judge Sheraton heard the cases across four brief hearings, where he explained the defendants’ bail conditions mean none of them can contact any employees of MBR Acres.  

A pre-trial hearing is currently scheduled for Cambridge Crown Court on August 20 for: Eben Lazarus, 24; Lewis Elliot, 31; Benjamin Newman, 33; Nathan McGovern, 25; and Hannah Hunt, 25.   

Another pre-trial hearing is due to be held the following day on August 21 for: Kat Chan, 22; Louisa Hillwood, 30; Thomas Cusick, 25; Jennifer De Netto, 54; and Alan Guthrie, 55.  

A third pre-trial hearing is due on August 22 for: Ash Faulkner, 32; Matilda Dunlop, 21; Michael Sykes, 24; and Ben Thomas, 22. 

A fourth pre-trial hearing is currently set on August 23 for: John Sasportas, 70; Dev Vyas, 21; Rose Patterson, 25; and Andrew Houghton, 67.  

Supporters of the defendants were outside court, in St Andrews Street, while the hearings were taking place and promoting their cause to stop testing on animals.