As an animal lover, I am deeply disturbed by the recent act of violence against a harmless sheep on the South Downs by four students from Plumpton College. This cruel act not only resulted in the death of an innocent sentient being but also raises serious concerns about these individuals' ability to interact responsibly with animals in the future.

This petition calls for two actions. Firstly, we demand that Plumpton College expels these students immediately. Educational institutions must uphold a standard of respect for all life and should not tolerate such abhorrent behavior.

Secondly, we urge Sussex Police to treat this crime with utmost seriousness. According to RSPCA statistics, there were 1,678 convictions under the Animal Welfare Act in England and Wales alone in 2018 (RSPCA). We believe that those involved should be included among such statistics and face appropriate legal consequences.

Furthermore, we insist that measures are put into place to prevent these individuals from owning or working with animals ever again. The link between animal cruelty and violence towards humans is well-documented (FBI), making this not just an issue of animal rights but public safety as well.

We need justice for this innocent sheep and assurance that such heinous acts will never happen again. Please sign this petition to show your support for stricter consequences for acts of animal cruelty within our educational institutions and society at large.

For those who have not seen the post from Viva Charity this is a bit more context about what these 4 students did and are capable of!

The farmers of tomorrow...

After this disgusting animal abuse, the four students involved, from Plumpton College, were merely suspended, meaning they will be back soon to complete their agricultural course. This is entirely unacceptable, they should be expelled and banned from working with, or owning, any animals in future.

They picked up the sheep which was grazing on the Downs and kicked its head. While still alive, they cut the poor sheep open, stuck a firework inside their stomach and blew it up.

These students will go on to work with farmed animals.