Hi Nicole,

It's great to hear from you again. I wanted to let you know that Maple the Milking Cow is a fake cow.  She is part of an educational display that uses water as part of the demonstration. She is just one of the many agricultural focused kiosks that will be at the festival.  We do not have any livestock scheduled to attend the show.

I would love for you to attend the festival to see for yourself.

Thanks,

Lindsey

I attended PetPalooza in Pickering excited to be part of an animal adoption event that prioritizes humane education and promoting adoptions for pets in need of a home. However, I was shocked and disappointed to witness a cow milking demonstration, which seemed out of place with the event’s mission and values.  https://www.pickering.ca/petapolooza#Registration

In the dairy industry, cows are often subjected to rigorous and invasive routines. Not only are the calves separated from their mothers shortly after birth, but also the male calves are unfortunately often sent to slaughter. This treatment is contrary to the compassionate atmosphere that PetPalooza is meant to foster.

The inclusion of a cow milking demonstration at an event that should celebrate and encourage compassion, adoption, and humane treatment of all animals is inappropriate. We urge the City of Pickering, event organizers, and all stakeholders involved to reconsider this demonstration and align PetPalooza’s events with its humane mission.

By removing the cow milking demonstration, PetPalooza can focus on showcasing activities and exhibits that truly reflect its humane and educational purpose, promoting kindness and welfare for all animals. Let us work together to ensure that PetPalooza remains a safe and supportive environment for education about proper pet care and adoption, not reinforcing practices that contradict the event’s humane values.

Please sign this petition to request that the cow milking demonstration be removed from PetPalooza and replaced with activities that enhance humane education and animal welfare.