City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks Meeting Talking Points
When speaking in person at the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks meeting, you’ll have one minute to express your concerns politely and calmly. Be sure to have a tidy, clean appearance with appropriate, professional clothing and to speak respectfully, as these things are essential to delivering a well-received animal rights message. Please say, “I am a Los Angeles voting constituent,” if this is applicable to you.
Use the following talking points when speaking at the meeting:
- Thank you, General Manager, Jimmy Kim, and the entire Department of Recreation and Parks, for not renewing the contract with Griffith Park Pony Rides and Petting Zoo and for shutting it down. I urge you to consider only non-animal models of entertainment at Griffith Park.
- Using animals for entertainment poses health risks to the public. Petting zoos are hotbeds of E. coli, and numerous children have been infected with the potentially deadly bacteria by visiting such displays. The area around an animal’s cage can be teeming with pathogens, and children can even bring bacteria home on their clothing. Hand washing does nothing to prevent the spread of E. coli by inhalation.
- Cruel petting zoos and pony rides are archaic and on the decline, and public opposition to them has never been stronger. There is no humane way to force animals to provide entertainment, because they are individuals with their own needs, desires, and complex lives.
