Lamb National baa’d by flower show after 18,000 sign protestors’ petition
A SHEEP racing display planned for Southport Flower Show has been cancelled amid concerns from animal rights protestors.
In just three days, more than 18,000 people signed a petition calling for the cancellation of the ‘Lamb National’ race. The display had been planned to take place as part of the flower show’s entertainment and would have seen the sheep race over small hurdles with toy jockeys on their backs.
But after complaints from campaigners, it has now been pulled from the schedule.
According to Lambentations, a sheep protection group, sheep racing is ‘cruel’ and ‘outdated’. causing distress and humiliation for the animals involved.
Explaining the group’s opposition to such events, a spokesman said: “Sheep are naturally shy, timid creatures, already abused for their wool and their flesh.
“Yet still, many places across the UK and the world, hold races in which sheep are forced to race against each other – something which in completely unnatural for sheep.
“This is done in front of a cheering, noisy crowd.
“Sheep are prey animals, which means they are sought, captured, and eaten by a predator. So sheep only run when they are frightened for their lives. “
Lambentations was formed last year and has so far led to the cancellation of six similar events. A spokesman for the group said it has received threats and abuse for its work, but praised the flower show organisers for their ‘compassionate decision and their “polite and caring response”.
The spokesman added: “Clearly they care about animals and, once alerted to the cruelty of sheep racing, and the obviously strong public opinion against it, they made the right decision, very quickly with civility.”
Show manager Ray Roukin said: “Southport Flower Show has decided not to include the Lamb National display in the programme this year.”
The show takes place from August 16-19 at Victoria Park.