Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Sheep storm Le Louvre in Paris protest against EU farming policy

 

Lizzie Dearden
Saturday 29 March 2014 14:15 EDT
Comments
The 'Confederation Paysanne' (Farmers Confederation) union demonstrate with a flock of sheep outside the Louvre museum on March 28, 2014, in Paris
The 'Confederation Paysanne' (Farmers Confederation) union demonstrate with a flock of sheep outside the Louvre museum on March 28, 2014, in Paris (MARTIN BUREAU/AFP/Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sheep stormed the famous le Louvre museum in a bizarre protest over agricultural laws.

The French Farmers' Confederation union brought some je ne sais baa to the landmark on Friday.

About a dozen sheep were herded through the entrance beneath the museum's iconic glass pyramids by a sheepdog.

Tourists scattered to avoid the stampede as the animals knocked over signs and cordons and bemused passers-by took photos and videos.

Demonstrators carried banners reading “PAC'astrophe” over the reforms, which they argue are industrialising agriculture and taking away jobs.

“What we can see today is a desire on the part of the agricultural ministry to impose a marginalising policy which will get rid of farmers," said a Confederation spokesman.

"So we came here to say we don't belong to a museum and that our place is in the countryside, where we can revitalise the countryside, create jobs and develop quality produce."

Dairy farmer Laurent Pinatel argued that small farms deserve support because they are important to France's economy, identity and culinary reputation.

Louvre officials said there were no arrests or damage during the protest, which did not disrupt operations at the tourist attraction.

Additional reporting by Associated Press

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in