SPITALFIELDS CITY FARM (our usual venue) STATEMENT
The Oxford Cambridge Goat Race
"This is primarily a fundraising event where ticket sales support all the farm animals directly, with 2012's proceeds raising enough to cover a whole year's food bill! In recent years, we received a few complaints saying that this event is cruel to the goats, but these complaints often come from people that have never been to the event, or even visited the farm! The goats chosen to run are in good condition and health checked (foot trimmed etc) before the event. It is also worth noting that city farm goats are particularly friendly and used to visiting public and school groups, so are not phased by extra attention. The "track" is also part of their normal routine, a route their follow every day as they are let out of their exercise paddock to make their own way towards their stables. Most days they run, but some days they walk. They are encouraged by a bucket of food, but if the goats choose to 'race' at a leisurely pace, then that's fine by us. They are never, ever forced to run. On the day, specially designed lightweight coats are worn (similar to goat coats that they are accustomed to wearing in winter weather). The coats are in the Oxford/Cambridge colours to make them easily identifiable. During the day, animals are kept away from amplified music and the road is crowd controlled during the race. We welcome anyone who would like to meet the goats and the farmers at the farm, where you'll see just how well they are looked after - to five freedoms standards:
1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst - by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
2. Freedom from Discomfort - by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
3. Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease - by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
4. Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour - by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind.
5. Freedom from Fear and Distress - by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering."
