LTE, PETA, bears and roadside circus

RE: Clark's Trading Post

Yahoo/income tax1

·         Amy Ventura 

To:whipple1078@yahoo.com

Mar 8 at 1:59 PM

Dear Daniel,  

Thank you for contacting us about the bears being used to attract tourists at Clark’s Trading Post in New Hampshire and for your support. Your concerns are justified. Clark’s Trading Post confines North American Black Bears to grossly undersized and virtually barren concrete pits and forces bears to perform unnatural tricks (e.g. riding a scooter, being pushed in a swing, eating ice cream from a spoon) for an audience during its “Black Bear Show.”  We have appealed to the roadside zoo to dismantle its cruel display. We have held a protest near the store. Check out the details below.

 Clark’s is one of our Deadly Destinations: https://www.peta.org/living/entertainment/deadly-destinations/.

 Bears fare very poorly in captivity. PETA has documented neurotic bears at zoos and roadside displays across the country. These frustrated animals spend much of the day pacing, walking in tight circles, swaying or rolling their heads, and showing other signs of psychological distress. These bears aren’t just bored; they are being driven insane.

 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) licenses animal exhibitors and enforces the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The AWA sets forth the bare minimum requirements for animal care, and for the most part, only addresses husbandry issues. For example, animals must be fed, watered, and sheltered, yet space requirements only mandate that the animals be able to make “normal postural changes” (i.e. allow them enough room to stand up, lie down, and turn around). There is no requirement for grass, greenery, or other natural vegetation. Appallingly, the cages at Clark’s are within regulation. The roadside zoo’s last inspection (copy attached) was “clean.” You can see what we’re up against.

We hope you will put your concerns into action! Caring people like you are working to make a difference for animals in roadside zoos all over the country.

 There are a number of important steps you can take to help:

 1. Write to Clark’s Trading Post to explain that the conditions are unacceptable

and ask that they shut down this archaic display. 

2. Fill out this feedback form for the chamber of commerce/department of tourism. Tell them that you are appalled at the conditions at the store and that it reflects poorly on the community. Point out that the poor living conditions for bears make Clark’s unworthy of promotion.

3. Contact Grafton County officials. Tell them that Clark’s display is a disgrace and leaves visitors feeling awful for having visited. Ask them to take a more hands-on approach to what is going on at the store and to not assume that “all is well.”  .

4. Spread the word! Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper to encourage readers to stop patronizing any place that uses or displays animals. This is an excellent way to educate countless readers about the grim life for animals in captivity. Review sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp! are also great ways to reach a lot of people, as is your Facebook page if you have one.

5. Please do not go to Clark’s or patronize any business that exploits animals.  As long as these places attract visitors, the animals will continue to suffer. It’s that simple. Talk to family, friends and co-workers, especially those with small children who may be inclined to go.  Explain to them that every ticket purchased is directly contributing to the animals’ miserable lives

From: Daniel Barker <whipple1078@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 6, 2019 11:55 PM
To: PETA Info <info@peta.org>
Subject: Clark's Trading Post

PETA, 

    First, thank you for the Petco protest.  Peggy at Lakeland Petco thanked me for giving her flyer on betta fish.  I felt this was better than drive miles to Winter Park.  Peggy is manager.

     Second, Clark's Trading Post, New Hampshire.  This tourist attraction still performing bears!  At the least, protest!  At the most, find out which advertisers sponsor or carry Clark's Trading Post and tell them to stop.

     Third, we hear candidates discuss 'health care.'  Perhaps we can remind Americans that health 'care' means you care about your health beginning with diet.  I do wonder how we can be a nation obese and still claim we care about our health!



Daniel Barker

6339 Egret Dr.

Lakeland, FL  33809

863-815-4534