[myspookypony]

Today I took a trip to Canadian Tire. I heard there was a petting zoo located in the flower section. I was curious, so I went to check it out. Not to my surprise, I was repulsed by the set up of this ‘zoo’. In this ‘cage’ (as I will not call it a pasture or even a pen) was an alpaca, miniature pony, goat and a peacock. The ‘cage’ was about 20’ X 15’! They had little hay. In the middle was a tall stone structure, and it was a toy for the goat. He loved to climb on it. The pasture was set up on cement. Instead of putting a crud load of shavings covering it, the covered it in PEBBLES!!!!!! I was and still am furious! I cannot even begin to imagine who is looking after these animals. The pony has no access to any sort of grass and all he is eating is hay while he stands on a bed of rocks. I am so upset, I am emailing Canadian Tire and COMPLAINING.

[myspookypony]

I will be emailing both Canadian Tire and our local SPCA

[Dawn]

Is this where they're kept 24/7? Or is this during business hours only?

While I do agree that it is not an ideal setup, it doesn't sound abusive or even neglectful.

The only downsides I see are limited space (but not any more crowded than standing in a stall all day, plus they do get to interact with other animals), and a hard floor. But not worse than many horses have in turnout/pasture.

Other than that, nothing sounded out of place.

[myspookypony]

Originally Posted by Dawn

Is this where they're kept 24/7? Or is this during business hours only?

While I do agree that it is not an ideal setup, it doesn't sound abusive or even neglectful.

The only downsides I see are limited space (but not any more crowded than standing in a stall all day, plus they do get to interact with other animals), and a hard floor. But not worse than many horses have in turnout/pasture.

Other than that, nothing sounded out of place.

At night they are in stalls. That is the reason I am so P.Oed

[Dawn]

I guess it's a difference of opinion. I highly doubt that ac will do anything about it. Though by all means, if you feel like you should report them, do it.

This is no different of a situation than many horses are in 24/7 in various areas. In a small turnout (usually hard packed dirt) with access to a small shelter that they may or may not be confined to through part of the day/night.

Now as far as the alpaca goes. I'll keep my mouth shut because I know nothing about them.

Again, not saying it's an ideal situation at all. But it's not anything abusive.

[myspookypony]

I know there are not being abused but I do feel it's a very inhumane and unhealthy situation

[Dawn]

What part of it? (Just curious.)

[County]

Isn't being inhumane and keeping animals unhealthy abuse?

[Dawn]

Depends on the exact situation. There is often times a fine line between abuse and neglect. Though in this situation, if there is something wrong, I think it would fall under the 'abuse' category.

[myspookypony]

The horse only has access to hay. Horses, as I have been taught should NEVER only eat hay. Pebbles on a ground could easily bruise the horses frog, expecially if it's stands on them for 24h. The only cannot move at anything above a plod.

All in all, it is NOT a healthy situation.

By abuse, i mean it's being starved or beaten :P

*edit* THIS HORSE IS NOT BEING ABUSED, I HAVEN"T SAID THAT ONCE