An annual Easter sheep run that was cancelled due to pressure from animal rights and vegan activists has decided to return this weekend.
The annual Hoo Farm Easter sheep race in Shropshire has been organised for the past thirty years.
Earlier this year, the farm decided to cancel its race after animal rights and vegan campaigners called for it to be shut down.
The Grand National-style run, where sheep race to reach food, faced pressure from campaigners who started a petition which gathered more than 55,000 signatories.
Hoo Farm said they have been labelled "scum", "evil", "inhumane" and "money-grabbing" by campaigners.
However, vets from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) said they were "satisfied the welfare of sheep was not compromised by being involved in the racing."
The farm said the positive review has prompted it to re-open the race just in time for this weekend.
In a statement on its Facebook page, it said: "We are delighted to announce the return of the World Famous Sheep Steeplechasing this Saturday.
"After a review of the racing and the entire farm by two vets from the Animal and Plant Health agency on the 19 April, they were 'satisfied that the welfare of the sheep was not compromised by being involved in the racing'.
"They did make some recommendations to help with the perception of racing and making it even safer. We will shortly release a video to explain this further.
"We look forward to seeing you all this weekend for the start of the Sheep Racing season."
Last year, FarmingUK reported two sheep runs were cancelled after pressure from campaigners.
Vegan campaigners had temporary success after a rural Hampshire school stopped rearing pigs on school grounds for educational reasons, but after plenty of media attention showing the public overwhelmingly backing the school, it was eventually re-instated.
