Canal Fest of the Tonawandas continues to have live pony rides at their 2022 festival. The ponies are tethered together connected to a turnstile where they cannot move freely or have access to water or food in unbearable heat. Please stop this inhumane “ride” at the fest.  

Live pony carousels treat animals like inanimate carnival equipment. Ponies can suffer from hoof ailments, saddle sores, and mouth and teeth problems, resulting from ill-fitting or carelessly rigged tackle. Since pony turnstiles are common on the summer fair circuit, ponies are often forced to spend hours working in the scorching heat. Water may be withheld from the animals—to prevent unsightly “accidents.” It’s often cheaper to replace worn out or sick animals than provide proper veterinary care, so operators may work ponies until they drop.

They may suffer from soreness and chafing from kids tugging on their halters all day long. When an event is over, there’s little respite: The animals are loaded onto tractor-trailers and hauled like freight to the next venue, or they may be tethered in barns to await the next outing.

Speak up for animals who are harmed, exploited, or otherwise used for entertainment at festivals, carnivals, and fairs.