Welsh authorities have reportedly backed the use of protective “security coats” for sheep after long-running concerns that some people may be maintaining relationships with livestock that are a little too traditional.
The lightweight, spiky 3D-printed vests are designed to protect sheep from unwanted attention and are reportedly being distributed to hotspots around the valleys.
Welsh farmers have broadly welcomed the move, although authorities conceded the spikes may actually increase demand in some parts of the country.
The entire story is a little deeper than what it seems. The origins date back to the 1960's when a group of Irish rebel singers, lead by Brian Warfield perpetrated some violence against the 4 legged animals (among others).
In 1963, amidst the Irish revolution that led to the creation of the IRA, the Irish group was already very popular in neighboring Wales where they were known to cause trouble when intoxicated with the ill-famed Aber Falls Whisky (Whisgi as it is known in Wales).
The poor welsh sheep were of course their prime victims and the group was subsequently known as the "Wolfe Tones".
It is to protect the sheep (defaid in Welsh (pronounced DEH-faid)) that this spiky armor was introduced.
It is since an efficient way to protect those innocent animals from predators such as wolves and intoxicated humans.
That is the true fact about that sheep armor.
PS: Notice that for the sake of our US and Canadian friends, I have taken the liberty to spell some words the North American way. I do in no way endorse that misspelling!
