A video of a small flock of sheep going for a jog down Weirfield Street between Irving and Wyckoff has gone viral, leading to speculation about their origin and reigniting the conversation about the role of live poultry markets in Bushwick.
The video, posted on November 22nd by Instagram account “whatisnewyork,” shows six sheep running northbound, with a man in a hoodie and another on a scooter in hot pursuit. While some Instagram users took the incident lightly, animal rights non-profit NYCLASS pointed to a possible source: Tiba Halal, a local live poultry market. “Yes – Tiba Halal. I believe that’s where they are from. That place has lots of violations – it’s a nightmare. Residents tell us animals escape often,” the organization commented.
Tiba Halal, located on Wyckoff Street, is a vivero, a live poultry market where customers can select and purchase animals for immediate slaughter. Viveros are a common sight in Bushwick and other immigrant communities throughout New York City, offering fresh meat and catering to specific dietary restrictions. Tiba Halal’s storefront signage advertises lamb, goats, beef, and a variety of poultry and fowl, making sheep a likely offering.
This isn’t Bushwick’s first rodeo with runaway livestock. In 2018, Bushwick Daily reported on a group of loose goats roaming Wyckoff Avenue. Those goats were confirmed to have escaped from Vivero Primos, another vivero on Wyckoff.
Viveros: A Cultural Staple and a Source of Controversy
While viveros are deeply rooted in cultural traditions, they have also attracted criticism from animal rights activists concerned about the animals’ living conditions and treatment.
In 2018, Bushwick Daily reported on protests organized by Bushwick Animal Save, a chapter of the Save Movement, outside Kikiriki Live Poultry, another local vivero. The group advocates for veganism but emphasizes a non-confrontational approach, aiming to raise awareness about animal cruelty and engage in dialogue rather than shut down businesses.
“We don’t want to protest… This is about the animals. We’re here for them,” Sarai Garcia, a Save Movement activist, told Bushwick Daily during one of the events. “We don’t want to close them down, we just want to talk to people about another possible answer.”
Bushwick: A Haven for All Creatures, Great and Small
The recent sheep escapade reopens the conversation about the role of viveros in the community, balancing cultural traditions with ethical considerations. While city regulations govern the housing of certain animals on personal property, enforcement and oversight of viveros remain critical to ensure responsible practices.
Despite the occasional animal escape, Bushwick is a neighborhood known for its love of animals. Check out these heartwarming stories about Bushwick’s amazing animal rescues and meet Rocky, the friendliest rooster in Bushwick!
Have you ever encountered loose animals in Bushwick? Share your stories in the comments below!
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