ORGANISERS have scrapped a much-loved sheep race amid fears of a confrontation with activists.
They said the Sheep Race at Llandovery Sheep Festival in Carmarthenshire, Wales, could be targeted.
A petition set up by animal rights activists sparked fears if the race went ahead.
Organisers of the Llandovery Sheep Festival said the race would go ahead in a new format but would not include sheep.
A spokesman said: “In previous years’ sheep races we applied the highest standards of animal welfare and complied with all regulations, but we accept the rights of others to disagree and became aware of calls to cancel the race.
“We already wanted to do something different this year, and also felt that any potential confrontation with opposers would spoil a family occasion, which is intended primarily to help our town and its folk.
“No real live sheep will take part in this year’s race.”
The race will take place on September 23 and 24.
