Sheep left alone on Chattanooga land raises ethical concerns over animal welfare practices

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A lone sheep, named Bonnie, has sparked a discussion regarding animal welfare after being left alone on city property. Concerns from residents have emerged over the ethical implications of her isolation, prompting discussions among experts in animal care.

Bonnie was initially part of a flock used to clear land for a forthcoming park project. However, once the work was completed, the rest of the herd was removed, leaving her behind. The owners claim that Bonnie’s withdrawal from the others was due to “behavioral problems.” Nevertheless, many experts believe that isolating an animal is not an acceptable method of addressing such issues.

Dr. Lew Strickland, an Extension Veterinarian at the University of Tennessee, noted, “By being isolated, that’s typically not a best management practice for that type of animal.”

In response to reports about Bonnie, several local farmers emphasized the importance of humane treatment and the ethical responsibilities that come with animal ownership. Amy Rae of Solace Farms posed an essential question: “What comes closer to the lower of acceptable standards? And what crosses the line into unacceptable?”

The Sheep USA Care Guide available through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture highlights the severe anxiety that individual sheep can exhibit when isolated. It stresses the potential for injury if a sheep becomes agitated and attempts to escape. Dr. Strickland further explains the importance of considering the welfare of such herd-bound animals, stating, “You’ve got to consider the welfare of that animal and their natural behavior.”

Experts advise that isolating a sheep for more than 24 to 48 hours without any visual or auditory contact with its flock can significantly increase stress levels. Neighbors reported that Bonnie had been alone since November 24th, raising further concerns about her mental and physical health.

“Stress increases cortisol. Cortisol inhibits the immune system,” Dr. Strickland explains. “So there you go. The immune system is inhibited, so disease is a lot more likely.”

Video footage of the property where Bonnie is kept has been shared with Dr. Strickland, who pointed out that, according to Tennessee law, animals must be provided with reasonable shelter, food, and water. While sheep can endure low temperatures, they require additional nutrition to maintain their body heat, especially during colder weather. “The rumen is a big fermentation VAT inside the animal, and that rumen puts off a lot of heat, and that provides warmth to the animal,” he said. “But there has to be something going into that rumen for that heat to be produced.”

Although the owners of the land, Wild Violet, claim to be feeding Bonnie plenty of food, some sheep owners disagree with this assertion. Comments such as “You could feed an animal on enough branches… but I don’t think a branch or two sounds like enough” have been raised in criticism of the current feeding methods.

Dr. Strickland advises that sheep should consume at least 2 to 3% of their body weight in quality forage daily. He expressed concern that the current feeding practices might be inadequate: “That almost sounds like you’re starving them into a situation where they’re so weak you can catch them.”

Concerns also extend to Bonnie’s access to water. While there is a stream on the property, Dr. Strickland cautioned that if it freezes, it may not be a reliable source. “Circumstances,” he stated, “should be investigated.”

In light of these growing concerns about Bonnie’s treatment, inquiries were made to the City of Chattanooga regarding the decision to allow Wild Violet to continue Bonnie’s isolation on city property, particularly since the contracted job has now ended. In their response, the city affirmed that Bonnie is under the care of Wild Violet, which specializes in permaculture principles, and mentioned that they maintain daily communication with the contractor, assuring them of Bonnie’s well-being. They added, “If this status changes, we will address accordingly.”

The situation surrounding Bonnie serves as a critical reminder of the ethical responsibilities owners hold toward their animals. It raises significant questions about welfare standards that should be upheld within the community and highlights the ongoing dialogue regarding humane treatment practices.