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It Is Finally A Victory: Petting Zoo Will Close Updates
posted on September 21, 2010
Dear Supporters:
Re: Stanley Park Petting Zoo Will Finally Close
As previously stated the Vancouver Parks Board has decided to finally close the Stanley Park “Farmyard” in January, 2011. This could stop perpetuating the petting zoo industry cycle of abuse and will end the Board’s last zoo animal business in Stanley Park.
More information is in my new on line Commentary in the popular Georgia Straight. Here`s the link:
Closure of Stanley Park petting zoo is victory for animals.
Thanks to all who have supported the work of Lifeforce.
FEBRUARY 2012 UPDATE
Re: Lifeforce Finds Animal Skeletons in Parks Board Closet
Lifeforce contacted many individuals and organizations to find permanent non-working, non-breeding retirement homes. We are disappointed that many of these legitimate rescue groups... and sanctuaries were not used. Now it was discovered by the Vancouver Sun that animals ended up at auction. Surely the Trevor French’s “meat” business could h...ave been discovered with a simple internet search. The animals’ blood is also on the former petting zoo staff’s hands who approved him.
Lifeforce had urged the Board to have written agreements that would guarantee the animals' safety. This was the first time that the Board agreed. In the past many were abused and sold for slaughter. From 2000 to 2009 there were no contracts for at least 65 animals and at least one person dealt with the Fraser Valley Auction. As we suspected, most zoo “homes” were not forever and numerous “families” were broken up (“Stanley Park Children’s Farmyard List of Acquisitions & Dispositions available) For the closure of this petting zoo, it was the first time for legal agreements. No contracts from the time of my 1988 investigation to last year. And the total 113 animals (from 2000 to 2009 alone) is a lot of animal traffic. Why did Lifeforce have to fight for this if the staff really cared?
UPDATE MARCH 26,2012
Animal Records Not Released > Lifeforce makes FOI Request
It is commendable that the City is pursuing legal action against the person who sold animals for food slaughter. Lifeforce had urged them to finally have written contracts to provide a permanent non-working retirement home. For decades there were no guarantees. The Board should have only dealt with legitimate farm sanctuaries. However, this must cover all improper care and mistreatment of animals – before and after adoptions. There are skeletons in the Board’s closet too.
Lifeforce must wonder why the requested animal records were not provided. Lifeforce will continue to conduct a full investigation of the Park Board Staff and Management who were responsible for the care and well being of animals. If the reports of neglect and poor treatment of animals, who were in the former petting zoo, are substantiated then criminal charges should be pursued. I attach a “Wanted” poster of the sheep who suffered. As stated, this poor animal was in horrific condition when received from the petting zoo.
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