SHEEP racing in Sark should be cancelled, according to an animal rights group.
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) said the tradition, which sees sheep tackle a course with teddy jockeys on their backs, should involve “willing” human participants instead.
In an “urgent” letter to the organising committee of the event, PETA said the sheep did not “consent” to participating in the “confusing and stressful event” and should instead “be left in peace”.
Sark sees its population rise significantly for the charity fundraising event, which takes place in July and has been running for more than a quarter of a decade.
Funds go towards the Professor Charles Saint Medical Trust, which subsidises prescription charges for Sark residents.
PETA vice-president of vegan corporate projects Dawn Carr said: “There are plenty of fun and family-friendly rural activities without animals that can be celebrated.
“How about a potato and spoon race, a hobby horse jump competition or a tractor tug of war?”
PETA argued that the event was “frightening for these sensitive animals” and that “exploiting animals for entertainment sends a damaging message”.
