Last year, people around the world were horrified when a pregnant cow was shot and killed at the California State Fair. The cow had escaped as she was being unloaded from a truck to be put on display in the fair’s Livestock Nursery, where visitors can watch dairy cattle, sheep and goats give birth.

Animal advocates have opposed the exhibit for years. Being transported by truck to the fair is extremely stressful for near-term animals. Instead of giving birth on a stage before a noisy audience, animals need peaceful and quiet surroundings.

Supporters of the Live Nursery argue that it’s educational for people to watch the birthing process up close. But there are many more humane alternatives that are just as educational, such as using a web cam or virtual simulation.

An agricultural advisory committee has voted to continue the exhibit with a redesigned display area and stricter safety protocols. The only opposing vote was from Jennifer Fearing, California director of the Humane Society of the United States. She told the Sacramento Bee that while the revisions were a step in the right direction, the fair “should follow generally accepted animal welfare guidelines (PDF) that say not to transport livestock that will soon give birth.”

Please sign the petition telling the board to stop distressing pregnant animals by transporting them to the fair and forcing them to give birth in front of an audience.

Photo credit: jade