Paul O'Grady requests Lord Mayor of London to cancel sheep herding over London Bridge

 
Sheep herding: Paul O'Grady has requested for the tradition to stop (Picture: PA)
Alexandra Rucki26 September 2014

Paul O’Grady has written to the Lord Mayor of London pleading for an end to the tradition of sheep-herding over London Bridge for charity.

Previous mayors have exercised their right, under the Freedom of the City rules, to drive a flock of sheep over the landmark to raise thousands for the Lord Mayor’s appeal.

But in a personal letter to Fiona Woolf O’Grady has requested for the tradition to stop as it causes “distress” to the sheep.

The TV presenter wrote: “I understand that as Lord Mayor of the City of London, you are historically entitled to the Freedom of the City, a privilege that theoretically affords you the right to carry a naked sword in public, in addition to other equally archaic practices.

“I am sure that you will agree that these "rights" should not be exercised simply because they can be exercised.”

He added: “Herding sheep down a very busy London street while cars continue to speed along the road next to them shows a disregard for their welfare and needlessly causes them distress.

“I have no doubt that you would be able to match, if not exceed, the donations that the previous Lord Mayor received by promoting an event without the use of any animals, and compassionate Londoners would thank you for it.”

Last year Lord Mayor Alderman Roger Gifford drove 20 sheep over the bridge to raise money for charity.

The right to drive sheep over London Bridge was granted to allow traders to bring sheep into the City for Sale.

The Lord Mayor of London was not immediately available for comment.

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