Photos by: Zohra Fahim
Sadly, ponies and horses reportedly continue to be overworked and neglected at Griffith Park Pony Rides and Petting Zoo in Los Angeles, California.
According to a recent investigation by Los Angeles Alliance for Animals (LAAA), the horses and ponies at this location did not receive water for almost seven hours in 90 degree heat.
As per Zohra Fahim, Founder of LAAA, this points to the fact that animal welfare laws, which were created with the input of veterinarians and equine experts, are constantly being ignored by the pony ride operator and never enforced by Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, Los Angeles Animal Services, or the Los Angeles Police Department.
“Since July 1st, we have documented animal neglect and have informed the public of the dangers surrounding Griffith Park Pony Rides and Petting Zoo through our outreach events. Unkind treatment of animals doesn’t align with Los Angeles values,” Fahim told WAN. “Los Angeles constituents have passed the fur ban, bullhook ban, and ban on wild animals at private parties. Now, the next issue in line is pony rides, which is animal cruelty disguised as entertainment for children.”
Fahim also informed WAN that experts reviewed the videos, which include a July 17th incident where a child was trampled after her saddle slipped, and concluded that the ponies and horses at the pony ride and petting zoo were being abused.
In addition, demonstrations by animal advocates at Griffith Park Pony Rides and Petting Zoo are being limited to a free speech area, which is in violation of the First Amendment. The group of concerned citizens have been peacefully protesting on a public sidewalk, not disrupting the business.
Please call Councilmember John Lee at (213) 473-7012 and politely urge him not to renew the contract for Griffith Park Pony Rides and Petting Zoo, as well as to send the animals to an accredited sanctuary.
Additionally, please email the Los Angeles Recreation and Park Commission at rap.commissioners@lacity.org
Write: I am respectfully urging you to not renew the contract for Griffith Park and Pony Ride and Petting Zoo, and instead, replace the park with a non-animal model such as go-karts or waterpark.
You can also sign the Care2 petition HERE!
