Sheep have rights too

by amyjudd | April 12, 2008 at 05:35 pm | 248 views | 3 comments

A traditional sheep shearing contest in the UK has been cancelled after animal activists complained the sheep are being hurt and that they have rights too.
Don't sheep have to be sheared though? I thought it was necessary for them in order to grow a new coat for next year.

Animal welfare activists complained some sheep were being nicked by the electric clippers used by competitors, who come from as far as New Zealand and Australia to take part in the Kent County Show.

One activist, who did not wish to be named, said: “Sheep have rights too. I thought it was cruel so complained. A lot of people agreed with me.”

But farmer Tony Mowbray said: “This is just complete madness. Shearers are trained professionals. Of course sheep get the odd nick but it’s ridiculous to stop that from being shown to the public to protect their sensibilities.

“Are we now supposed to not shear flocks and let their coats grow out of control?”

The Kent County Agricultural Society said the contest was scrapped after a handful of complaints about how the animals were treated. A spokesman said animal welfare was “a major concern” but denied it was the main reason for ending the contest.

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jordan

at 17:40 on April 12th, 2008

good stuff:

amyjudd, I like this story. It's good stuff.

Jennings David L

at 00:14 on April 13th, 2008

good stuff:

amyjudd, good story, I'm sure if sheep don't get sheared they are miserable in the heat as their wool continues to grow. I am against being cruel to animals but I don't view this as hurtful. Thanks for adding the story.

amyjudd

at 00:24 on April 13th, 2008

thanks David! I agree that this is necessary for sheep and that it's not being cruel to them. It's kind of like cutting your dog or cat's nails and accidently clipping the blood vessel. It's not nice but you so have to clip their nails and you don't mean to make the bleed for a second.