|
The Fellowship of Life |
| | |
From the Summer 2006 edition of NOWALE's action magazine: On the 14th of June we received a telephone call from our contact
Judi Hewitt in North Wales. Judi was extremely concerned and alerted us
about an article in the Daily Post in North Wales regarding a 'Sheep
Drive' taking place in London on 17th of June. Judi explained the whole
situation as she knew it. It was at that moment that the reality of the
horror began to dawn. Was it possible that sheep were really going to be
taken from green fields and herded through the streets of London in the
21st century? It was thanks to Judi that the 'Sheep Drive' was brought to our
attention. We then spent two days informing other groups who were
unaware of this. It was our understanding that this archaic event was
organised by Bennets Associates of Architects - it was London's
Architecture Biennale Sheep Drive' and was launched by architects
Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano. The Worshipful Company of Butchers were excercising an ancient
rite giving them the right to drive sheep through the streets of
London...What about the rights of the sheep not to be exploited? Sadly
the Bishop of Southwark also took part in the ceremony which appeared to
give credence to the whole sorry spectacle. It was the Bishop who sent
the 'sheep on their way'. At 9:45 am everyone involved in organising the
'Sheep Drive' gathered on the lawn in front of the penned sheep, with
the media and TV clamoring to take photographs and interview all
concerned, focusing on the Bishop, which made this 'Drive' even more
repugnant. By this time hundreds of people assembled to watch the
proceedings, take photographs and to follow the sheep on their hideous
journey, laughing and joking at the sheeps' expense. Fully fleeced, the sheep were penned outside the entrance to
Southwark Cathedral, with the sun beating down, without shade after
being trucked all the way from Cumbria, for what appeared to be the
amusement of the Bishop, his followers, the organisers, and the
Worshipful Company of Butchers - all seemingly suffering blind
indifference to their part in the suffering and exploitation being
inflicted. The sheer stupidity - the total indifference of the whole sordid
event was truly breath taking! NOWALE and supporters, with other like
minded individuals gathered with banners to voice their opposition at
the churches involvement. At approximately 10:15 am the sheep were
eventually sent on their way by the Bishop of Southwark, followed by
members of the Worshipful Company of Butchers. It was painful to watch
as approximately 25 panic stricken sheep were herded from the pen into
the waiting crowds. Completely terrified by everything that was alien to
them, looking for a means of escape, running in all directions. As they
were forcefully herded through the narrow walkways several sheep again
tried to break free, as the long ritual began. They were followed by -
and forced through thousands of - people, ever increasing their terror. Protestors were sickened by the number of people along the route that
gathered to follow the sheep on their nightmare journey. Hundreds
converging from all directions as the wretched creatures became ever
more alarmed and confused. The appalling suffering and fear of the sheep
meant nothing to the thousands of people which followed this 'Unholy
spectacle,' a throwback to the Middle Ages. It appeared to be an amusing
day out for all - unconcerned and without comprehension to the
exploitation taking place. Originally, the Salvation Army were going to be involved, when the
sheep reached their headquarters on route, the Salvation Army's brass
band was going to play, 'The Lord is my Shepherd'. NOWALE rang the
headquarters immediately and spoke to two people at length, saying how
dismayed we were to learn of their involvement in the exploitation of
God's creatures, and that playing, 'The Lord is my Shepherd' only added
insult to injury and pointing out that this archaic event held no place
in the 21st century.* However, the small piece of news at the end of the day was, that
after consideration and considerable pressure from NOWALE and
supporters, along with our Patron Rev James Thompson, the Salvation Army
decided to withdraw. Evidently not completely, since stands displaying
pictures of a sheep's head supporting the 'Drive' was stationed outside
the Salvation Army Headquarters. When the sheep reached the end of their hour long journey after being
paraded through the streets of London, on hot pavements, through crowded
markets, crowded streets, with the added trauma of noise and fumes from
London's traffic and forced across the Millenium Bridge, (halfway over
the bridge the TV interviewed the Sheriff of London, asking what was the
point, and why today? (We couldn't hear his reply) Eventually ending up
at St Bartholomews Fair, where the sheep were again penned for the
amusement of the crowds - to be gawked at for the rest of the day. It was extremely evident that the sheep, fully fleeced, were in great
distress, shocked and bewildered by their sickening hour long harrowing
ordeal. Panting like dogs, in soaring temperatures of 80+ degrees,
raising their heads desperately trying to breathe and grouped together
in fear. It was highly likely, after witnessing their condition, that at
the end of the march, some sheep would not survive a further journey.
Their fate after the exploitation, was a further journey back to Penrith
or slaughter!! We learnt that people had travelled down from Yorkshire to support
this, with one saying that, "The sheep love it, they enjoy walking". The
seemingly arrogant and callous indifference of all involved added to
this deplorable spectacle. It was a cruel, pointless execise merely
demonstrating once again, that man has the power and control to exploit
defenceless animals. We were greatly shocked. It was truly a barbaric
Medieval spectacle, a disgrace to all concerned, made worse by the
Bishop's hypocritical participation, trivialising the whole sorry saga. We must ensure that this event is not repeated in two years time. Write to: Rt. Reverend Thomas Butler, NOWALE, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX27 7LA. *...or indeed the nineteenth! The Salvation Army were reminded of the
outspoken vegetarianism of their founder; General William Booth, his son
Bramwell and many of the early Salvation Army Officers: http://www.resources.homecall.co.uk/articles/ogavegetarianismbooth/ |
Homepage/About Us
Your comments are welcome |
|
This site is hosted and maintained by The Mary T. and Frank L. Hoffman Family Foundation Thank you for wisiting all-creatures.org |
Since 
|