The Digital Credit Union ("DCU") Event Center in Worcester, MA is a large and central hub for lots of fantastic entertainment events. However, the DCU has hosted numerous events that involve animal exploitation, such as bull-riding shows and petting zoo events which force exotic and domestic animals into lives of confinement and forced labor to provide rides and handling opportunities which are typically not conducive to their species, and which deprive them of normal lives. There are sanctuaries in Massachusetts where people can both learn about and enjoy rescued animals without subjecting them to the problems that a live entertainment venue brings.

In addition, the corporations behind such events, like Commerford Petting Zoo, have long histories of USDA violations against animals and were responsible for the solitary confinement and horrendous death of more than one exotic elephant in recent years.

Worcester county residents are hereby asking that the DCU and Worcester City Council stop hosting these events, in the interests of promoting a fair and just society for our animal companions.  Folks who are interested in meeting domestic animals can take the opportunity to do at one of many mini and larger animal sanctuaries in Massachusetts, such as Unity Farm in Sherborn.

At sanctuaries, people can learn about the lives of these animals while also interacting with them while ensuring that their dollars ensure the safe and peaceful habitat of these animals for the rest of their lives.  

Animals used in bull riding are prodded with sharp objects and frightened into performance in front of jeering and loud uncaring crowds. How could this possibly be fair or kind to an angry bull? How sad is that? Worcester should never support any kind of entertainment which is hurtful to animals like this. 

Should camels be taken far, far away from their native lands and forced to allow children to ride them, after being confined in trailers and transported from place to place without living with their natural companions, in nature? Should miniature ponies be kept on a turnstile, unable to object to riders, in a large foreign entertainment venue? We don't think so.

We who sign this petition stand united to stop animal abuse and keep the DCU as a wonderful, safe, and Happy place of entertainment for all people, and free of aspersions that these animal-related events encompass.