Health & Fitness
Why Can't I Bring My Dog to the Sheep Shearing Event?
The reason why the festival committee is asking you not to bring your dog
One reader asked: I heard the Festival Committee is asking residents to not bring their family pet dogs to the sheep shearing event. Why? My dog is very well behaved and gets along with people and other dogs.
With the Sheep Shearing event being held this weekend, and the weather is to be absolutely beautiful, this is a great question to ask.
The reason why the Festival Committee, Town of North Andover and the North Andover Police are asking residents not to bring their dogs to this event is simple. It is for the SAFETY of the livestock.
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This particular event hosts several farm animals: sheep, ponies , and a cow
These animals are being taken out of their farm environment to participate in our festival. They will not be secured at a farm or in a barn. They will be in pens or a gated area to allow the visitors to pet, take pictures and to watch demonstrations.
Find out what's happening in North Andoverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Most families in North Andover do not have sheep, ponies or cows on their home properties. Because of this, your dog may not have been exposed to farm animals and could react in a manner that even you wouldn't have expected.
This isn't saying your dog hasn't been trained properly or will misbehave, but it is a precaution to protect our livestock that may become startled by your dog.
Sheep - are sheared with clippers, shears or blades and if a sheep becomes frighten by a dog, the sheep could get seriously hurt.
Pony Rides- one of the biggest attractions at Sheep Shearing are the pony rides for the kids. Dogs could startle the ponies while the children are riding on them. A child could fall and become injured.
Herding Demonstrations - a crowd favorite. Border Collies rallying up the herd of sheep. Having dogs near this demonstration could distract the Border Collies from performing their job. The "pack " of sheep could also become scared, run and trample.
Cow- Yes, the Cow Pie Bingo Cow will be joining us again this year. She is located in one small section of The Common. Since we have money on this one to do her duties...humm ok a little help from a dog may not be a bad thing. But to play it safe, we would rather her not get scared and take off down Mass Ave!
Tracey is the owner of Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care of North Andover and may be contacted at 978-697-6571 or www.wigglewalk.webs.com on facebook at www.facebook.com/wigglesjigglespetcare
