Neal Buckoke: The Sab Working to Shut Down Somerset Reindeer Ranch
- dereckhoward99
- 15 hours ago
- 4 min read
Hunt saboteur Neal Buckoke orchestrates online attack that could force a Somerset farmer to cull her beloved animals
Neal Buckoke, a notorious hunt saboteur and anti-establishment conspiracy theorist, is the driving force behind Two Counties Hunt Saboteurs' vicious campaign against Somerset Reindeer Ranch, an online crusade that could result in the culling of 10 beloved reindeer.
Sarah Sutton, a Navy veteran who has operated Somerset Reindeer Ranch near Yeovil for 14 years, now faces financial ruin after animal rights activists launched a coordinated attack on her livelihood. Following a complaint to Somerset Council, the 51-year-old has been told she needs an expensive zoo licence to continue offering "meet and feed" experiences with her reindeer. This cost she says would "finish the business" and potentially force her to euthanise the animals she can no longer afford to feed.
Two Counties Hunt Saboteurs, led by Buckoke, has spearheaded an online petition urging the council to reject any zoo licence application. The petition, which has attracted nearly 600 signatures, claims the reindeer are being "exploited as nothing more than props for profit."
Who is Neal Buckoke?
Neal Buckoke, who operates out of Dorchester, is a prolific hunt saboteur with affiliations spanning multiple sab groups including Devon County Hunt Saboteurs, Severn Vale Hunt Saboteurs, and Northants Hunt Saboteurs. His involvement in Two Counties Hunt Saboteurs represents just one node in a network of coordinated activist operations across the Southwest.
Buckoke gained notoriety after being filmed verbally abusing a follower of a Devon-based trail hunt, where he launched into a profanity-laden tirade based entirely on class prejudice. Shouting at a man driving past, Buckoke made incorrect assumptions about his social standing, screaming "I fucking hate rich c*nts like you" and calling him an "upper-class little c*nt," among other vile insults.
Conspiracy Extremist
Buckoke's social media presence despicts a man consumed by conspiracy theories and anti-establishment ideology. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he became a fervent spreader of anti-vaccination disinformation, regularly posting debunked conspiracy theories to his Facebook followers.
Buckoke has expressed support for figures like Russell Brand (who faces serious allegations) and authoritarian regimes in Iran, China, and Russia, hardly the hallmarks of someone genuinely concerned about freedom or welfare.
Perhaps most disturbingly, Buckoke openly supports criminal behaviour to achieve so-called "animal liberation." He has repeatedly posted content expressing hatred for law enforcement and endorsing illegal activity, a position held by many in the saboteur community who view themselves as above the law.
The Reindeer Farm Reality
When The Telegraph visited Somerset Reindeer Ranch earlier in December, they found the reindeers living in a long wooden barn with access to a muddy open field. The herd, including animals with names like Dasher, Dancer, Harry, and Camilla, appeared healthy and happy.
Despite being classified in the same risk category as wild boars and hyenas in government guidance, the reindeer demonstrated what Mrs. Sutton describes as "the temperament of a dog crossed with a pony."
Sutton, an Iraq War veteran who served eight years in the Navy, runs the experiences with her husband David, a former Royal Marine. They offer guests 40 minutes with the animals, including feeding opportunities and photographs. The couple has previously opened their farm to schools, colleges, and disability groups, and takes the reindeer off-site for community events.
"I'm never shooting one of my reindeer," Mrs. Sutton told The Telegraph. "I know how to look after them. I know to be cautious when it's mating season and not to let the public go in when there are babies. An experienced reindeer handler like myself knows how to keep everyone safe."
A Coordinated Network of Harassment
The attack on Somerset Reindeer Ranch follows a familiar pattern of harassment that intensifies during the Christmas season, when reindeer experiences are most popular and profitable.
"They have their own agenda, which is that no animal should be working or living with people," Mrs. Sutton said. "That includes guide dogs and police horses. They love to come after us at this time of year. They start all kinds of petitions against us. You name it, they'll do it."
The Damage Done
Buckoke's campaign has already forced the ranch to halt all 2026 bookings and cancel their Virgin Experience Days contract, a major income source. A zoo licence would cost over £2,700 initially, then £2,600 every four years, with requirements including firearms and tranquiliser darts for the docile reindeer.
Two Counties Hunt Saboteurs claims "deep concern" for animal welfare yet offers zero evidence of mistreatment. In their zeal to "liberate" animals, Buckoke and his activists may force the death of 10 healthy reindeer who would otherwise live out their natural lives in compete happiness.
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