14 December 2009
A French wrestling club has gone to court to defend its age-old practice of awarding a live sheep as a tournament prize.
An animal rights' group argued that the winner should instead receive a hat, embroidered handkerchief or a packet of cigarettes, as was once the tradition in Brittany.
The Stephane Lamart animal rights group argued before the Brest tribunal that the awarding of the sheep violated laws that bar animal prizes other than during farm shows or agricultural fairs.
The champion of Gouren wrestling, a special style that dates back several centuries in Brittany, carries the sheep on their shoulders during a victory lap.
"The animal is not mistreated. Quite the opposite, it is honoured," said Yann Choucq, the lawyer representing the Breton wresting federation.
Lamart himself turned up at court with several bodyguards after about a dozen wrestlers showed up in their combat costume for the hearing held in a packed courtroom.
The court will render a decision on February 8.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/12/15/2771637.htm
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