STAFF at the cosmetics shop Lush dressed up as foxes and animal rights protesters to raise awareness of wildlife crime.

Staff, supported by the Hunt Saboteurs’ Association, staged a mock hunt in Canal Walk with staff dressed as foxes and as animal rights protesters chased around the high street by staff dressed as police officers.

Tuesday’s protest was organised ahead of next month’s Police Commissioners’ Elections and they were also handing out leaflets and getting people to sign petitions on the day.

Christina Carvajal, the manager of Lush Swindon, said: ‘We believe that, like us, most of the British public would feel money is better spent protecting animals from cruelty, death and extinction, instead of gathering evidence on peace protests and environmental camps.

“When the newly elected Police Commissioners are setting budgets and priorities, they should reflect the concerns of the public and society they serve.

“The event went really well, with people coming and asking questions and we were also handing out leaflets on the day with more information for them.”

Helen Ascott of the Hunt Saboteurs Association said: “It is shocking that wildlife crime is such a low policing priority, 76 per cent of the public supports the ban on hunting and yet, week after week we face hunts who are hunting illegally.

“We believe it is madness to spend money on policing sabs when the real law breakers are getting away with it and we hope the incoming Police Commissioners will take on board the public’s concerns around these issues.”