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:
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
