Recent news of the “loneliest sheep in Britain” has triggered a dispute over her future home. Fiona, as she is now known, was discovered stranded at the foot of cliffs in the Scottish Highlands. She was removed from her bleak surroundings by a team of farmers who successfully descended a rocky gully using a winch. However, controversy erupted when an animal rights organisation opposed the plan to rehouse her in a farm park as they fear she will be exploited for money and turned into a spectacle. Demonstrators from the group staged a peaceful protest on Sunday at Dalscone Farm, where Fiona was taken after her rescue.
Fiona had been stranded for over two years before her recent rescue, during which time an online petition to save her from her isolated existence gained thousands of signatures. Following the rescue mission, professional sheep shearer Cammy Wilson recommended that Dalscone Farm would be the best home for Fiona; however, animal rights groups argued that a sanctuary would be a more appropriate location.
The owner of Dalscone Farm, “Farmer Ben,” claimed that Fiona will have a “five-star home” along with other animals, and will receive veterinary supervision. The intention was to introduce Fiona to other animals slowly, but these plans have been put on hold owing to a dispute over her future location. The situation has been made worse not only by activist concerns about exploitation, but also because several members of the Animal Rising group tried to initiate contact with the sheep prior to her removal.
Fiona has yet to settle into a permanent location, so until the sentiment regarding her future home abates, she remains in a secure location. The eventual decision remains a contentious issue for many interested parties, including members of animal rights groups and the wider public who followed Fiona’s plight
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