THE organisers of the Balmoral Show have been urged to "transition to a vegan event".
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has called for the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) to "ditch the animal events and adopt a new name and direction: Balmoral Grow".
It said it has written to the RUAS urging it to "honour the changing needs of our planet" and transition into "a fully vegan event with a focus on supporting Northern Ireland’s hardworking arable and horticulture farmers".
The organisation says that "currently the show involves over 3,500 non-consenting animals, who are tied up, pulled around, roughly handled, and forced to compete in spectacles like dangerous show jumping".
PETS adds that "a vegan event, in contrast, could feature fun, family-friendly activities such as a vegan Ulster fry competition, a potato beauty pageant, and bobbing for cabbages".
It has even designed a new logo for the event, which takes place from May 10 to 13, featuring playful mascot Pip, a cheerful greasy pippin apple.
Hey, @balmoralshow, meet Pip!
— PETA UK (@PETAUK) April 28, 2023
This cheerful Greasy Pippin apple will happily become your new mascot if you grow with times and go vegan
What do you say? #balmoralgrow pic.twitter.com/PmrtcMUpgX
Dawn Carr from PETA said: "Instead of cruel sheep shearing, show jumping, and food that has been cut or expelled from an animal’s body, the new Balmoral Grow could celebrate Northern Ireland’s hard-working plant-based farmers and delicious, locally produced vegan fare.
“The change will support arable and horticulture farmers and help protect the environment by highlighting all the fantastic crops that can be grown in Northern Ireland, from oats to apples.”
The RUAS said it had not received a letter from PETA to date, adding that it "works to promote the agricultural industry" across the north.
"Agriculture is one of Northern Ireland’s leading industries and the RUAS through events such as Balmoral Show aims to champion all that is great about this cornerstone industry," a spokeswoman said.
"Animal welfare is central to our show and we have rigorous policies and procedures in place across all elements of our show, to safeguard and protect our exhibitors, staff, visitors, volunteers and all animals involved."
