Despite overwhelming public opposition, the California State Fair (July 12 to 28) again plans to display the cruel “farrowing crates” in the fair’s animal nursery. Pregnant sows will be imprisoned for three straight weeks, unable to turn around, barely able to move and forced to give birth on a bare metal grid: a true “crime against nature.”
CalEXPO’s new boss, Rick Pickering, was CEO at the 2012 Alameda County Fair, which allowed no farrowing crates. Instead, a mother sow and her piglets (born offsite) enjoyed a large pen, in deep sawdust: Happy pigs, happy public.
Our State Fair could (and should) do likewise. All veterinary studies recommend against transporting expectant animals about to give birth. UC Davis Vet School (which oversees the nursery) should practice what it preaches. This is a true “no-brainer.”
Nor should the fair’s vendors be allowed to give away goldfish as prizes, or sell hermit crabs as “pets.” Most will die within weeks, or be flushed down the toilet.
Please contact Rick Pickering, CEO, and the Fair Board, at CalEXPO & State Fair, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815; email — calexpoboard@calexpo.com. Pigs and public alike deserve better.
Thanks for caring.
Sincerely,
Eric Mills
Coordinator for Action for Animals
(510) 652–5603
