The carnival unions in Germany have a 400-year-old carnival tradition called "Gaensereiten." Gaensereiten is a ritual that involves men on horseback trying to tear the head off a goose that hangs from a noose just within reach.
Over the years, this tradition has become slightly more humane in Germany. Currently, the goose is killed before the parade rather than being hanged live and tortured to death by the pulling.
Time Magazine gives a great description on the tradition that is being revived worldwide.
One of our concerned members has started a petition against this cruel act. She is not asking for the tradition to stop, but for mock geese to be used. Even though the geese are killed ahead of time in Germany now, she believes this tradition is still out of line and we are teaching our children it is okay to kill animals for entertainment.
Below is a message from the petition author Elena:
"Please help us in protesting against the German 'Gaensereiten' (goose pulling). It is a medieval tradition in Bochum and we're of the opinion that it's irresponsible to teach children what we're 'allowed' to do with animals or their corpses. The goose is killed before, but it's a rape of the goose's dead body and really needless. We want that there be alternatives used. Thank you!"
To prevent our children from believing it is all right to treat animals this way, sign this petition to get mock geese to be used in place of the real bird.
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