A young activist has told a jury he believed it was his moral duty to break into a facility breeding beagles for scientific research, claiming the puppies faced a life of 'disgusting' abuse and painful death.
'I heard their screams from the car park'
Eben Lazarus, 25, from Brighton, gave evidence at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday, December 5, 2025. He is one of 18 defendants accused of burglary after activists from the group Animal Rising removed 20 beagle puppies from MBR Acres in Cambridgeshire in December 2022.
The construction worker told the court he took part in the action to save lives and prevent suffering. "I have made, and make, no attempt to hide the fact I rescued puppies from MBR Acres," he said, reading from a statement given to police.
He described being aware of the conditions beforehand, stating: "I had heard the screams from outside the carpark. They had no bedding. Never seen light. In cages of 20 dogs, sat in their own faeces with no love." Lazarus concluded that "any decent person" would agree it was a disgusting way to treat the animals.
The defence of 'honest belief'
The defendants have admitted trespassing and removing property they did not own and did not intend to return. However, they dispute acting dishonestly. The key legal question for the jury is whether the activists acted reasonably, based on a genuine belief their actions were honest.
Under questioning from his defence barrister, Maria Liddiard, Lazarus said his research into animal testing, influenced by figures like Sir David Attenborough and Queen guitarist Brian May, led him to act. He claimed the puppies' lives would involve "further abuse and animal testing leading to bleeding and pain and death."
Other defendants currently on trial include Ben Newman, 35, from Hackney, Nathan McGovern, 26, from Lewisham, Hannah Hunt, 26, from Brighton, and Lewis Elliott, 32, from Cumbria. Thirteen more will face trial in successive linked cases.
Prosecution focuses on alternative actions
Prosecutor Mitchell Cohen challenged Lazarus during cross-examination. He repeatedly noted that in the six months between Lazarus learning of MBR Acres and the alleged burglary, the activist had not written to his MP, lobbied directly, or contacted the facility—he had only signed a single petition.
"Your next step is to go and burgle MBR Acres because your position is you believe you are entitled to break the law," Mr Cohen suggested. He emphasised the distinction between morals and the law, quoting Lazarus's own statement back to him.
Lazarus insisted his primary concern was the conditions, pointing to the slogan on his t-shirt on the day: 'What would you do if this was your dog?'. He claimed he would have stopped immediately if he had found the puppies in suitable conditions.
The court heard that MBR Acres is licensed by the Home Office and has not been found in breach of that licence. Of the 20 dogs taken, two were seized by police and returned to Marshall BioResources (MBR); the others were distributed to sanctuaries.
The trial continues.
