Multiple times throughout the year, Belleville, NJ hosts town events that frequently include petting zoos, pony-rides, and even camels. 

While these "activities" can seem fun and harmless at first glance, they are anything but.  

Goats and sheep are prey animals, and can easily feel stressed by crowds of people, especially high-energy children, surrounding them on all sides. Their natural instinct is to flee, but unfortunately when trapped in a small pen that isn't possible. 

Horse-drawn carriages have long been known cruel to horses; and have even been banned in major cities like Philadelphia! Pulling heavy carriages on concrete, carrying rambunctious children, and standing in the cold for multiple hours is cruel. Horses are easily spooked, which makes this "activity" not only unsafe the animals, but the people participating as well. 

While camels can tolerate very cold weather, they shouldn't be forced to. A "Three King's Day Celebration" can be just as fun without the animal exploitation for "realism". 

Wild animal acts have already been banned in the state of NJ (Nosey's Law), which passed through the senate unanimously in 2018.

All of this to say, "Domestic animals" such as horses, camels, sheep and goats deserve the same protection, and respect. 

This petition is to encourage Belleville's mayor, Michael Melham to cease including animals acts at the town events and to instead focus on more positive activities that benefit the local community, sans animal exploitation.