Westchester's Winter Wonderland To Stop Camel, Pony Rides

ARSDLEY, NY — People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said it has gotten the Westchester Parks Foundation to pledge to not feature camel and pony rides again at its seasonal Westchester Winter Wonderland festival. The organization said the decision came after the nonprofit organization informed the foundation's executive director about the cruelty and safety risks inherent in animal rides, according to a PETA spokeswoman.

"The world is no wonderland for camels and ponies forced to carry people on their backs for hours," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "Westchester Parks Foundation did the right thing by agreeing to nix these cruel rides, and PETA is calling on festivals nationwide to follow suit and feature fabulous human entertainment only."

A statement from Westchester County Parks Department and Westchester Parks Foundation officials said the decision was made prior to speaking with PETA.

The statement said, "Westchester County Parks Department and Westchester Parks Foundation officials are sensitive to the treatment of animals. This past December, prior to a conversation with PETA, we decided to remove the pony and camel rides at Westchester’s Winter Wonderland for 2018-2019 season. This decision was made in the best interest of the animals and the program. We are now looking for new features to showcase at this popular annual winter event at Kensico Dam Plaza."

PETA contends that animals used in traveling exhibits are routinely subjected to the stress of transport, disorienting environments and mishandling. Camels — who are shy, skittish animals — are deprived of everything that's natural and important to them when they're used for entertainment, and ponies used for rides endure loud noises and interactions with small children, which can be extremely distressing for them.

Additionally, animals used for rides or in petting zoos may carry a variety of potentially deadly zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted to humans, PETA said.

Photo caption: The entrance to Winter Wonderland. Photo credit: Westchester County.