Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article erroneously stated the statue would be on display until May 14. That date has been corrected below. Buckrail regrets the error.
JACKSON, Wyo. — Noticed anything different on Town Square recently?
A statue of a sheep created by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) appeared on Town Square on Tuesday, adorned with a cartoon of sheep hoisting protest signs reading, “I’m not your socks,” and, “Where is your empathy?” The traveling exhibit known as “E(n)d Shearin’” is scheduled to be on display through May 18, according to the organization, which is known for courting attention with splashy demonstrations and provocative messaging.
“This statue reminds us all that sheep are thinking, feeling individuals who love their families and don’t want to be shorn bloody for blankets, socks, or sweaters,” PETA Senior Vice President Colleen O’Brien said via press release.
On Wednesday, the Town of Jackson (TOJ) issued a statement regarding the statue, noting that the application for the display had been approved by the Town, but that display rules will be different going forward.
TOJ said the application for the display had been submitted “appropriately” and that the Town “had no basis to deny the application for the display.” When it was received, a “Temporary Unattended Display policy” had been in place that allowed such displays.
“Subsequently, Town Council voted to remove the Temporary Unattended Display policy to ensure that in the future Town Square, officially known as George Washington Memorial Park, serves primary purposes for gathering, pedestrian flow, and events,” TOJ’s statement reads. “Removing the allowance for private unattended displays ensures active uses of Town Square are prioritized and helps maintain its integrity and appeal, given its prominent location, extensive use by locals and visitors, and status on the National Historic Register. Removing this policy also brings Town Square into alignment with all other Town parks.”
