Petting zoo and ponies

Dear Miss Bullock:

Our telephone conversations and emails, begun in 2008 concerning the use of carousel ponies, a camel on one occasion, and a petting zoo at the parking lot of Energized for Excellence Academy, 6107 Bissonnet (77081). These annual one-day events are the May 5th Mexican holiday and Halloween. My complaints were related to the disregard of your contractor concerning their animal "exhibits" and the fact that your school did nothing to compensate for the deficiencies.

While there were ample tents provided for food and games, the animals were under the beating sun for many hours, including high noon, and on a pavement hot to the touch. The ponies were provided water occasionally, I observed, but there were no fresh animals for the prescribed rotation, and so they remained harnessed, going 'round and 'round for 6 hours. The petting zoo consisted of lamas and sheep with heavy wool coats, goats, chickens, and a pitiful rabbit hanging in an all-wire cage being poked constantly by children and adults with not even a solid bottom or wall to protect him. No shade was provided for any of the animals and some babies were seeking shelter under the bellies of older animals. Adding to the environmental discomfort these animals endured was the din of children screaming and coming in and out of the enclosure. No one with an iota of compassion for animals would find that situation humane.

This is even more disturbing in a setting were preschoolers are getting their first impressions on how animals should be treated. I dare say that few among them or their parents are acquainted with the Western concept of animal welfare, but as long as they are in the United States it is our responsibility to educate them according to our laws and sensibilities. In this role, Energized for Excellence Academy is failing.

For three consecutive years I have brought this matter to your attention and, per your own admission, you delegated it to people who did nothing. Once again: The animal exhibits require shade and large fans. If the school cannot afford to rent additional tents, then the animals --not the food concessions or games-- should get the tents. This is the example you should provide. The only other alternative is to not include animals who, apparently, no one cares enough about to treat decently.

I will be watching hoping that at long last children can enjoy animals while learning to treat them with respect, the animals can earn their keep without being exploited, and we need not involve third parties to resolve this matter.

Thank you very much.

Dolores Proubasta