PETA want tombstone for sheep killed in Powys A489 crash

A lorry[1] carrying around 450 sheep overturned on the A489 between Churchstoke and Lydham[2] shortly before 3pm on Tuesday, May 12. The incident occurred near the Daisy Bank Touring Caravan Park, right on the Powys-Shropshire border, on a road known as Owls Lane. West Mercia Police confirmed that: "Many sheep were saved, though sadly a significant number were lost."

Now, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)[3] has sent a letter to Shropshire Council, asking for a roadside memorial to be built on the A489. The tribute would feature an image of a sheep next to the words 'In Memory of the Sheep Who Suffered and Died in a Lorry Accident at This Spot. Try Vegan'.

West Mercia Police confirmed that: "Many sheep were saved, though sadly a significant number were lost." (Image: Bishop's Castle and Clun Police) PETA said the plaque would remind all drivers, including those with animals on board, to slow down and travel safely - while also pointing out that everyone can prevent abattoir or market-bound vehicles from travelling along UK roads by choosing vegan meals. The way the lorry was driven has not been highlighted as a reason for the crash by the emergency services.

"For nothing more than some pieces of meat, this crash left animals suffering on an already terrifying trip, likely to the abattoir," said PETA vice president Elisa Allen. "PETA's roadside memorial can prevent further tragedies, including human ones, by reminding people to drive with care and spare a thought for animals by no longer eating them." PETA said that before being subjected to a terrifying death, sensitive sheep endure rough handling and long, traumatic journeys to livestock markets or abattoirs.

In a letter emailed to Shropshire Council, Ms Allen said: "I am writing to ask if you'd please permit PETA to place a memorial near the accident site to commemorate the lives lost in this incident. "Our memorial would let people know that the best way to prevent crashes such as this one is to go vegan, because sheep should not have to make a terrifying trip to the livestock market or abattoir at all. "It'd also remind vehicle drivers of their responsibility to the thousands of animals they transport every year, as well as to the motorists whose lives are endangered when a lorry overturns."

Dyfed Powys Police reported on Twitter that the road was closed, reopening shortly after 11pm, while West Mercia Police said on its Bishop's Castle and Clun Police Facebook page on Tuesday evening that the vehicle carried about 450 sheep. "Officers from Bishop's Castle Safer Neighbourhood Team attended a road traffic collision on the A489 involving a lorry carrying around 450 sheep," police said. The incident occurred near the Daisy Bank Touring Caravan Park, right on the Powys-Shropshire border, on a road known as Owls Lane. (Image: Bishop's Castle and Clun Police)

"The vehicle had tipped onto its side, leaving the driver trapped. Bishop's Castle Fire Station extracted the driver and handed him over to the ambulance service and Helimed. "After being assessed at the scene, he was taken to hospital for precautionary checks.

"A specialist team from Shropshire Fire and Rescue, along with local farmers and vets, worked to recover the livestock.

"Many sheep were saved, though sadly a significant number were lost."

References

1. ^ lorry (www.countytimes.co.uk)
2. ^ overturned on the A489 between Churchstoke and Lydham (www.countytimes.co.uk)
3. ^ People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) (www.countytimes.co.uk)