Please ask The Manhattan beach hometown fair board of directors to stop hiring a large petting zoo and pony ride.
Disease Outbreaks Associated With Petting Zoos:
Children who visit petting zoos often bring home more than their parents bargained for. Health officials indicate that petting zoos are hotbeds of serious pathogens, including E. coli and salmonella bacteria. Experts warn that infections can spread through direct or even indirect animal contact. The area surrounding the animal's cage can be teeming with bacteria, and children can even bring it home on their clothing. The very young, the elderly, and others with weakened immune systems are especially at risk.
Children who come into contact with E. coli can develop bloody diarrhea, anemia, chronic kidney failure, or neurological impairments such as seizures or strokes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), kidney failure can occur and dialysis and transfusions are sometimes necessary. Some childen who are sickened by E. coli bacteria must undergo surgery to have part of the bowel removed.
The animals used in traveling zoos suffer both behind the scenes and when they are on display. The Zoo, a traveling animal exhibit, has been repeatedly cited by the USDA for inadequate animal care practices, including failure to provide proper diets, veterinary care.
Let's keep our kids and other animals safe by asking the board of directors for the Home town fair NOT to have a pet zoo or pony ride in 2020.
