Sheep are gentle, passive animals who have been targeted and exploited by humans for their wool, skin, and meat for centuries. However, what many people do not realize is that sheep are also exploited for cruel forms of entertainment, particularly in so-called “sheep races.”

In a “sheep race,” a sizable group of defenseless sheep are forced to run on a track while a crowd of screaming onlookers roars from the sidelines. These naturally timid animals are terrified by the chaotic ordeal and experience a great deal of stress and confusion as a result. To add insult to injury, costumes and stuffed animals are often strapped to the backs of sheep to help draw in a crowd.

A petition on Care2 states that one of these sheep races is scheduled to occur at the Llandovery Sheep Festival in Wales this September 23rd and 24th, and the petition’s author wants to stop it from happening. The petition states that two other cruel sheep races have already been canceled in the UK because of the public pressure from petitions, so people’s voices are truly making a difference!

If you agree that sheep should be nurtured and loved rather than exploited for entertainment or profit, please take a moment to sign this petition addressed to the Llandovery Sheep Festival voicing your opinion.

There is great power in numbers, so please share this with your friends and family to help gain more support for sheep!

Image Source: 3268zauber/Wikimedia Commons