Sheep Smells Like Shit

Pepper the sheep can stay, despite aroma
August 15, 2007
Associated Press

DIXON, Calif. --Pepper's aroma is decidedly not like the seasoning for which she is named. Yet the Dixon City Council has opted to let Pepper the sheep remain with her family in their suburban backyard despite objections about the unpleasant odors she gives off.

"I'm just emotionally drained," said Pepper's owner, Natalie Angelman, after the council voted Tuesday. "I'm so overwhelmed. It's been a long road and I'm very pleased with their decision."

Pepper has lived in the Angelmans' backyard for six years, but in the past few years a strong odor has drifted from the property, said neighbor Jason Wentz.

"The smell is a mix of alfalfa, sheep, urine and feces," Wentz said. "I never wanted to make this a neighborhood issue, but the next thing I know, we're the villains of the community."

The Angelmans said they have eliminated the smell Pepper gives off by taking steps such as spending hundreds of dollars on peppermint-scented cleaner and air fresheners and moving Pepper's pen.

Council members said the Angelmans have done everything they could to minimize the odor and be good neighbors. However, they urged them not to buy another sheep once Pepper dies.

"I think we need to do whatever we need to make it stay, but please don't get another sheep," said Vice Mayor Michael Smith.