By 3news.co.nz staff
A proposed 'Running of the Sheep' down the main street of Auckland's CBD has been condemned by the SPCA.
On October 17, at the height of the Rugby World Cup, the Topp Twins will lead 2000 sheep down Queen St from Aotea Square to Queen's Wharf, accompanied by shearers, axemen and women in bikinis on quad bikes. It's all part of the Real New Zealand Festival, which coincides with the RWC.
"A lot of people wouldn't have any idea how good New Zealanders are at wood chopping, shearing and dog trials, so what better opportunity to showcase it than down the main street of Auckland," says New Zealand Festival director Briony Ellis.
But the SPCA says they've received a "barrage" of complaints about it.
"This runs against the humane principles held by the SPCA around the use of animals for entertainment," says chief executive Robyn Kippenberger.
"If animals are likely to suffer, simply as a 'side show', then the SPCA believes that they should not be subject to this distress."
In 2009, a couple of thousand sheep ran amok through the streets of small town Te Kuiti, a scene organisers promise won't happen in Auckland, at a time when the eyes of the world will be on New Zealand.
"This is quite different, it's more like a muster than a race," says Snr Sgt Don Stuart.
The SPCA has been working with the organisers to ensure the animals are treated humanely, but isn't satisfied the event meets welfare guidelines.
"We are calling on the organisers to remove this particular event from their program in recognition of the distance we have come as a country that is held in the highest international regard for our animal welfare practices," says Ms Kippenberger.
"The risk they take in not providing a draw card for their festival is small in comparison to the distress of the animals and the likelihood of world approbation if even one sheep is harmed."
3 News