Photo Gallery Shepherds Protest Against E-Ewe Baa-reaucracy
Several hundred shepherds in traditional costume from all across Germany flocked to Berlin Wednesday to protest against excessive European Union bureaucracy. The banner reads "Whoever makes shepherds suffer will not be re-elected!"
The shepherds brought 30 sheep with them to help make sure their message was "herd" in Brussels. The protesters held a rally on Berlin's Pariser Platz, in front of the Brandenburg Gate.
Werner Deike from the Berlin-Brandenburg Sheep Breeders Association poses in traditional shepherd's costume in front of the Brandenburg Gate. Shepherds are up in arms about new regulations involving sheep ear tags and a prohibition on transporting pregnant ewes.
A shepherd holds up a placard which reads "Primeval forest drives away tourists" -- making the point that farmers play an important role in managing the landscape.
The Brandenburg Gate is often used as a backdrop by protesters -- but it's unusual for it to be turned into a farmyard.
According to organizers, there are around 30,000 shepherds in Germany who take care of 2.6 million sheep. Some of the shepherds who had come from all over Germany to take part in the demonstration were visiting Berlin for the first time.
The angry shepherds feel they are being fleeced by EU bureaucrats. The banner reads "Don't make shepherds into scapegoats."
The sheep take a stance to fight for shepherds rights.
A hard-working protester takes a break for some sustenance.
See also:
Cute Knut, Berlin Zoo's Polar Bear Cub
Germany Web Site Rents Out Protesters For Demonstrations
