In a long and sometimes contentious meeting, the Nevada County Fairgrounds Board voted to keep the contract with ‘Have Trunk Will Travel’, and that means there will be elephant rides at the upcoming fair…
Applause from those who favored the elephants, but most of the crowd was against the decision, citing safety issues, animal cruelty, and the risk of disease. One lady, yelling out after the vote was announced…
Board President Tom Browning said before the meeting that the directors’ minds could be changed during the public comments, but afterwards told KNCO that the board was comfortable with sticking to its original decision…
One board member did change her mind, even though Shanti Emerson has visited India and has ridden elephants…
Over three hours of public comment was taken before the directors discussed the motion, and took the vote. Many protesters said during their comments that they would not be attending the fair if the contract was kept. No one from ‘Have Trunk Will Travel’ was present at yesterday’s meeting.
Bill Vomacka
Thanks to the fair board for sticking to their original decision and not being pressured by a vocal minority of extremists. I had invited my grandkids and their parents up from the bay area to visit the fair with us specifically to be able to interact and ride the elephants. I was dreading the idea that I would have to tell them the elephant exhibit was cancelled as I knew they would probably not be interested in the fair this year. If the anti animal activists really want to help the elephants they should work to eliminate the poaching in Africa and India that kill so many of these beautiful animals every year.
Ron
To fix this, people, don't go to the fair, at all! I don't believe in the decision, either. But, tell your friends, family, acquaintances, "DON'T GO."
ED
Jeff---Great job of reporting! Hometown radio at its' best-factual and objective. Ed
Valerie
Thank you Fair Board for not backing out. Just remember everyone in our own local area, there is more animal cruelty to pets than within this one company. As for safety, well any thing can happen at the fair from a carnival ride to the zip line. As for the risk of disease, we risk every day of being bite by a mosquito.
I have been a long time elephant admirer since the mid 1970's. I dislike any living creature being treated cruely, such as the recent shark wrangler video, but I agree all captive animals need discipline to be behave. Asian elephants are more social with humans than the African elephant.
I would rather see elephants in activities, rather than caged standing around just for us to view.
All protestor just go to the fair, spend the day watching the elephants, If something happens then report it.
I would love to visit the elephants this year if I can.