Bengal tigers at the local county fair? The answer is yes. In Topsfield, MA, at this year's famed annual Topsfield Fair, beside countless booths of crafts and lifestock exhibits, was an enclosure containing several endangered Bengal tigers.
We must contact Topsfield Fair organizers and let them know that this is no place for exotic animals. These animals are far too dangerous to be on display and these animals are not built to perform in this manner. There are but a few of these majestic creatures left in the world today and they should be in the wild or living their lives at endangered animal sanctuaries.
Every year, adults and children gather from near and far to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the annual Topsfield Fair. It is an environment of fun-filled family activities, including countless food vendors, crafts and even local domestic livestock.
Parents bring their children here year after year to not only enjoy the pulsing energy and crisp autumn air, but also to educate them on the benefits of locally grown food and farming. It is the beginning of children understanding where the food on their plate comes from.
But, where do endangered exotic animals fit into the equation? The answer is they don't. Many people were surprised when the Topsfield Fair brought endangered Bengal tigers into the fairgrounds this year. Surprised -- and concerned.
Several cities across Massachusetts have already banned the public display of exotic animals - and for good reason. There is a safety concern when it comes to having such animals in such close proximity to our children, and it is disappointing to us that Topsfield Fair did not take this into account.
Not only are fair-goers put at risk with their presence at the event. But, what is the captivity of such majestic creatures teaching our children? Is a cage really a place that we want to teach our children such endangered animals should be?
Exotic animals do not belong at a family event such as the Topsfield Fair. Please keep this fair safe
and humane by making a promise to Topsfield Fair patrons that exotic animals will no longer be a part of this special day.
