The Big E deserves credit for removing pig racing, wild and circus animals, the camel show, and the bear trailer. I urge the Eastern States Exposition to make these changes permanent— and go one important step further by removing all animal entertainment from the fair.
That means ending the Commerford Petting Zoo, camel and pony rides, and ox and horse pulls.
Commerford’s history — including more than 50 documented USDA Animal Welfare Act violations, accidents, and incidents, as well as the death of Beulah at the Big E in 2019 — raises serious concerns about continuing to feature this operation. Disturbing footage involving Commerford animals has also raised questions about how these animals are treated.
The Big E has an opportunity to lead by example. Keep the animals already removed out —and stop bringing animals back for rides, petting, pulling, or spectacle. It’s time for the Big E to become an animal-free fair.
Elena Tillman
South Hadley