Why I Support Humane Petting Zoos and Farm Sanctuaries by Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates

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I support humane legal petting zoos and farm sanctuaries because it exposes people to farm animals in a caring pet like manner. When children see and pet farm animals they are more likely to care about them and their welfare. If they pet them like they do a cat or dog, they will grow up caring more about them. They may even put two and two together and realize hamburgers, hotdogs are cows and pigs. Chicken is a real live chicken. Eggs come out of chickens. Milk comes out of cows. Eventually they may not want to eat them which is better for their health, environment and the animals.

I went to a petting zoo when I was maybe five or six. I pet chickens, cows, pigs and had a great time. Then I went to lunch with my Nana. When we were ordering food it finally clicked. Chicken on the menu was the cute live chicken I just pet at the petting zoo. I asked my Nana if "chicken" was actually the animal chicken. She said "yes." She also told me that hamburgers were cows and hotdogs were pigs. I was soooooo grossed out. I said I didn't want to eat my friends. She was fine with that so I ate rice and beans which is what we ate at home. Eventually I learned about eggs and didn't want those either. Same with milk.

I also support humane and legal farm sanctuaries. The thing about farm sanctuaries is you are basically preaching to the choir unless it's a school field trip. People who go to farm sanctuaries are generally already vegan. You aren't necessarily educating non-vegans who most need the exposure and education. Petting zoos are at fairs, events, road sides, farmers markets where families have easy access. They're generally also free. You just pay for animal feed. Most farm sanctuaries are on agriculturally zoned land far out of cities and towns. I personally think a farm sanctuary should offer petting zoos to some major county fairs. They'd get more exposure and more animals can be saved or at least treated better.

When children are with animals including farm animals they learn respect, compassion and empathy for animals. If they pet or brush them, they learn to care for and about them. Children experience sensory development, motor skills development, language development and learn social skills. There is a lot of research which shows the benefits of animals for children. All of these benefits also benefit animals because children end up caring more about them.

I don't support illegal inhumane unpermitted petting zoos. You need a USDA exhibit permit for a petting zoo. You also need a city and county permit from animal control. There are regulations no matter what lies an ill informed activist tells you. There are USDA and other animal regulations that cover petting zoo and animals. They are covered by federal, state and local animal abuse, neglect, and cruelty statutes. 

Petting zoo animals are not for consumption. They are not food animals because they most likely have received medications over their life span. They will also be injected with euthanasia drugs when they are dying which makes it illegal to use them for food. Animals must be cared for legally and properly. I want children and others to see healthy farm animals who are well cared for and treated. I want people to realize they are living, breathing, sentient beings and not just fried chicken, hamburgers and hotdogs. 

A humane petting zoo or farm sanctuary limits the number of children in the pen at one time. They also limit the time each animal is in the pen. Some animals love being pet and some don't. Clearly they should only use animals that enjoy it. That's why there are mainly goats and sheep. Bunnies are too sensitive and shouldn't be in petting zoos. Chickens could be in another pen with more protection. There must be sun protection and protection from heat, cold, rain, weather. There must be adequate food and water available.

There should be proper hand washing stations and instructions so zoonotic diseases aren't spread. That is the law which is generally enforced by the State Agricultural Department and County Health Departments. If the zoo is at a fair, there are other regulations. If it's in a farmer's market, there are even more regulations. If they sell food in the area, there are even more regulations. There are generally a few people inside the pen to enforce all the regulations. 

Petting zoos have their own regulations such as no picking up animals, no chasing, no pulling, no hitting, no riding, no running, no screaming... Parents must be in there with their children. Children under certain ages aren't allowed for health reasons. No food or drink in the pen except the animal feed. No smoking, toys, pacifiers, strollers, baby bottles, weapons, alcohol... No touching the animals food or water. The zookeepers don't want their animals stressed or harmed. It's their business and they generally really care about their animal if it's a humane zoo.

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

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Animal Advocates Report About Griffith Park Pony Rides and Petting Zoo by Mary Cummins

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UPDATE: 01/09/2023 "Historic Structures at Griffith Park may Hamper City Plans" https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2023/01/08/historic-structures-at-griffith-park-pony-ride-may-hamper-citys-plans

No, they won't. Whenever a historic structure was in the way of new development plans the city just moves the building. There's a historic building on USC campus that has been moved four times because of development. The city does the same. A structure doesn't have to stay on the land and be used for original purpose. Such idiots.

01/08/2023 The pony ride equipment is up for sale. The original post was removed but here's a screenshot. 

12/17/2022 There will be a protest for and against the pony rides tomorrow, Sunday, December 18, 2022 from 11-2:00 pm at the pony rides. It'll probably be the last big protest before they close 12/21. 

In the meantime Steve Weeks and some of his supporters have been lying to the press. Weeks said it is "the best run pony ride in the nation." :-D I inspected the pony ride. It most certainly is not. See my report below. One of his supporters said "the pony ride is for poor and disabled people." False. You have to pay for a short pony ride not to mention the cost of getting there. There are no facilities for disabled people to ride the ponies. "Mr Griffith donated the park with the express intent it be used for pony rides." Griffith J Griffith donated the park in 1896. No mention of pony rides. I could go on and on with more falsehoods but why.

12/11/22 "In a memo to the department on Dec. 6, 2022, Recreation and Parks General Manager Kim denied that animal rights protests at the pony ride location — and at the homes of L.A. city employees and the homes of the operator’s family  —  influenced the city to pull the plug."

Kim cited Sachar’s report, saying two ponies died in March, one in April and one in August but the city was not notified of their deaths until Sachar’s report in September. The delay in reporting the deaths to the city — in one case six months — was the main reason the city closed the pony rides, he said.

https://www.sgvtribune.com/2022/12/08/l-a-is-closing-griffith-parks-pony-rides-not-for-neglect-but-bad-paperwork/amp/

12/10/22 Steve Weeks stated he offered to give the pony ride concession, all animals, equipment to another operator for free. Parks & Rec declined his offer. This shows it's not this specific operator that is the problem but pony rides in general. 

Ponies being bought from Steve Weeks and rehomed already.

12/08/22 This article goes into the reason why the City ended the pony rides. Seems there was a new veterinarian inspection and report made to the City, see linked below. Interesting it was done right before the contract renewal date. Makes sense. 

https://www.yahoo.com/video/im-going-miss-place-customers-140005907.html

Below is the veterinary report.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ou4k0zXfkeLdjcvocUpNyqWjzaygIkka/view?usp=sharing

12/07/22 There will be a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting December 15, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. about the pony rides. No other information provided as yet. 

Four ponies allegedly died within the last year. City wasn't notified timely allegedly. There is some veterinarian report about it maybe but I haven't seen it as of yet. I'll post it when I find it. In the meantime here is a veterinarian report from Dr Rachel Sachars DVM CVA February 2021. Here is a summary, "Dr. Sachar’s report identified various issues requiring immediate attention as well as other areas for ongoing improvement. Most notably, some ponies were in need of veterinary care for saddle sores, farrier care, or dental care. Additionally, violations of California Health and Safety Codes were found associated with animal identification protocols and record keeping, as well as fence enclosure disrepair." 

https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2021/21-1457_rpt_drp_2-18-22.pdf

12/06/22 Steve Weeks has already sold all the ponies allegedly to appropriate horse owning homes. Only three "green" ponies that are not meant to be ridden by children are left. You can still inquire about those ponies. I have no idea if they are Griffith Park Pony Ride ponies or not. I saw many experienced horse owners step forward to offer homes to the ponies on Facebook. They appear to all been spoken for within 24 hours. 

ORIGINAL: 12/04/22 The City of Los Angeles has finally decided not to renew Steve Weeks' contract for the Griffith Park Pony Rides. It terminates December 21, 2022. The city's decision was the result of many concerns beyond protests and complaints by animal rights activists. The City of Los Angeles has gotten away from cruel practices against animals on its properties and under its jurisdiction within the last 25 years. This is evidenced by changes at the animal shelters, zoos, circus permits, animals in entertainment permits, rodeo permits... 

2021 the City stated it had received years of complaints and wanted to get away from using ponies for entertainment. This was before the recent protests by animal activists. From a final October 2022 Motion,

"The concession agreement with the current operator of the Pony Rides is set to expire on

December 22, 2022, with the option of renewing for another year. While the decision to extend

this contract falls within the jurisdiction of the Department of Recreation and Parks and does not

need approval from the City Council, at this time, we do not believe the City of Los Angeles can

in good faith move forward with the extension of this contract without understanding the

implications this will have on the health and well-being of the ponies and without considering a

new path forward that does not include the continued use of these ponies for entertainment."

https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2021/21-1457_misc_10-25-22.pdf

The City had wanted to entertain other opportunities at Griffith Park for the community. Many cities like Santa Monica got rid of their pony rides and petting zoos. Instead they offer family friendly educational entertainment that is available to everyone. The Griffith Park Pony Rides and Petting Zoo were not cheap. Parties also had to pay to have events on the property. 

Notice from the city about the closure,

"PUBLIC NOTICE Re: Pony Rides at Griffith Park.

The Griffith Park Pony Ride concession contract will expire on December 21, 2022. After careful consideration, the Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) has decided not to extend the contract.  Pony rides will therefore be closed to the public beginning December 22, 2022.  At the request of the City Council, the Department will undertake a community input process to re-imagine the recreational and educational activities offered at this location in Griffith Park to continue providing youth and families an affordable and enjoyable experience."

Steve Weeks statement about the closure: 

"NEWS FROM GRIFFITH PARK PONY RIDES

It is with much sadness that I announce that Griffith Park Pony Rides will be ceasing operations December 21, 2022. I have received a letter from Los Angeles Recreation and Parks stating that our contract will not be renewed. After 74 years serving the children and parents of Los Angeles, this iconic institution will be closed forever by order of the City. 

You have all followed our fight against these few radical animal rights activists. Despite our year long fight to answer the untrue statements of these individuals, our efforts were not heard. This was the city decision and not the pony rides choice. I will post more at a later date giving greater details. I just wanted you to hear the news from me. This group has been loyal friends of the pony rides and i thank you.  In the days ahead I will be attempting to find forever homes for our many ponies. I am determined to find homes for our ponies with qualified horsepeople who will care as much about our ponies as I do. If you are interested in provding a home please message me. More to come.

Steve Weeks" This is Steve Weeks' email if you are interested in one of the ponies saweeks2@gmail.com

Weeks buds are stating this has to do with money. They think someone bribed a council member so they could have the space for a wealthy person on the east coast to do "touristy" things. Other Weeks buds are saying two council members are vegans so that's why they are against pony rides. Still others said this was the work of PETA. Weeks buds think they are coming after all horse owners to make horse ownership, riding illegal. The real reason is exactly what the city stated. Even before protesters were involved the city wanted to get away from using animals for entertainment. That's why the city got rid of elephants in circuses, animal circus permits, rodeo permits...

FTR Steve Weeks is the more recent owner of the contract since 2016 I believe. There have been many problems at the pony rides over many years since it first opened in 1948. 

February 2022 assessment by third party horse veterinarian ordered by city found problems.

https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2021/21-1457_rpt_drp_2-18-22.pdf

2016 City contract for the pony rides.

https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2016/16-1005_rpt_MAYOR_09-06-2016.pdf

Below is a fair and privileged report by Animal Advocates about the Griffith Park Pony Rides and Petting Zoo made to government agency the City of Los Angeles and other government agencies. These are just a few of the concerns. None of them are the reason they closed the pony rides. City just doesn't want to be involved in animals as entertainment.

http://animaladvocates.us/Griffith%20Park%20Pony%20Rides%20and%20Petting%20Zoo%20report_by%20Mary%20Cummins%2005312022.pdf

Mary Cummins
Animal Advocates Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
645 W 9^th St #110140
Los Angeles, CA 90015
www.AnimalAdvocates.us

 

May 30, 2022

City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks
221 N Figueroa Street Suite 350
Los Angeles, CA 90012

RE: Griffith Park Pony Rides & Petting Zoo

I'm Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. I've been involved in animal issues for over 35 years in Los Angeles. I've gone through the Police Academy and Humane Academy to become a Humane Officer and investigate animal cruelty and violations. I've worked positively with the City of Los Angeles for over 20 years including on the Prop F Committee and getting the current Los Angeles Animal Services Wildlife Policy passed in 2004 (Ref. 1).

May 29, 2022 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. I visited the Griffith Park Pony Rides and Petting Zoo (GPPR). The following is a report of my visit and a summary of my research including attached/linked photos, videos and references.

1. Petting Zoo

a. Sheep

The sheep's hooves were overgrown and needed trimming (Photo 1, 2). This is link to overgrown (left) and properly trimmed (right) hooves https://cdn.outdoorhappens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Diagram-of-Hoof-anatomy-tom-milner-1024x405.jpg . His coat needed to be cleaned because he had feces matted to his wool. His coat needed to be sheared. This is a photo of Larry the same sheep from the official website of the GPPR.  https://www.griffithparkponyride.com/petting-zoo You can see that Larry is clean, shorn and his hooves are properly trimmed. This shows that the owner knows how to care for sheep but has chosen not to give proper care. There are photos of children hugging animals with their faces touching the animals in GPPR’s which is why they must be clean. This is a violation of California Penal Code 597, not providing proper veterinary and other care (Ref. 2). Also a violation of the Animal Welfare Act because these are exhibit animals under USDA permit Cert # 93-C-1163 Cust #502682 (Ref. 3).

b. Goats

The goats' hooves were overgrown and needed to be trimmed (Photo 3). Violation of CA 597 and AWA.

c. Rabbits

The rabbits' water bottle was empty. I asked the staff to refill the water bottle. They removed the totally empty bottle and refilled it (Photo 4). As soon as they did all three rabbits quickly drank water which means they were dehydrated. Violation of CA 597 and AWA.

d. Lack of Zoonotic Disease Control, Handwashing Stations

The item of greatest concern in the petting zoo and pony rides was the lack of concern for zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases are passed from animals to humans such as SARS-CoV-2, plague, West Nile and rabies. Every year children are sickened from touching animals in petting zoos, pony rides with some children dying (Ref. 4). Petting zoo animals can carry E. coli, Cryptosporodium, Salmonella, ring worm and more. Humans can contract the diseases by hand feeding animals, petting animals, touching the fence rails, sitting on something the animals touched, the ground...

The California Department of Food and Agriculture offers hand washing information and signs for places such as county fairs when one would encounter agricultural animals (Ref. 5).

There should be warning signs at the entrance and exit of the petting zoo along with handwashing instructions and stations. Everyone who enters the petting zoo or even just touches the fencing must wash their hands. Children were hugging the sheep with feces on its coat. They were feeding the animals out of their hands. They were given brushes to brush the animals. The animals were licking the children. These same children will walk a few feet away and eat food with their hands. Many states have Hand Sanitation Laws for animal contact for these reasons (Ref. 6).

Food, drink, baby pacifiers, baby bottles, strollers, wagons should not be allowed in the petting zoo area. They were allowed in that area. Here is a sign from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (Ref. 7).

The City is exposing itself to lawsuits from sick and dying children besides harming its public image. Violation of the Health & Safety Code.

e. Animals in and Near the Food Preparation, Dining Areas

A staff member had two goats on leashes in the food preparation and dining areas, https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/86411826_3496341357073569_330790903599857664_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=9267fe&_nc_ohc=lIqmN3sHNfwAX85Osm0&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-1.xx&oh=00_AT9OMY0A5JrIO-XDKRaZB0P1RXXtfK94WNACX1kfetDF-A&oe=62B992B3    . This photo came from the GPPR website. These people even had a non-service dog. I witnessed the exact same. The three pony corrals are too close to the multiple food prep and dining areas. Animals can't be within at least 20 feet at the minimum of food prep or dining areas per California Food Safety and Health Codes.

Violation of California Retail Food Code, Sections: 114259, 114259.1, 114259.4, 114259.5 no animals are allowed in food preparation or dining areas except some service dogs, patrol dogs and pet dogs in certain situations (Ref. 8). California Civil Service Code, Section 54.1, 54.25 covers these exceptions (Ref. 9). Weeks has no experience operating a business which preps and serves food.

The issue is again zoonotic diseases. Children pet a goat, pony then eat food with their hands which could transfer disease. It's very possible that many children have already been sickened but their parents assumed it came from the food and not the animals. In cases where many people were sickened investigations revealed the exact cause of the infections and knew it was the petting zoo and not the food.

2. Pony Rides

a. Algae, Scum in Water Troughs

Algae were visible in all of the horse water troughs, (Photo 5). Violation of 597 for not providing proper care, not providing potable water.

b. Loud Noises Used to Scare Ponies to Run

The staff members told the children not to yell or scream at the ponies. Then the staff members ran behind the ponies and made loud clapping sounds that sounded like a whip being cracked in order to get the ponies to run. They also yelled and made other loud noises at the animals. The staff did this every time they wanted the ponies to run. This is harassment and cruel treatment which is a violation of CA 597. I have many more videos and photos. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2CA15u9cXI&feature=youtu.be

c. Ponies too Close to Food Preparation, Dining Areas

There are four pony corrals, one large one which is the main track, one small carousel and two smaller ones called Party Corrals which are generally rented out for birthday parties, see GPPR website. https://www.griffithparkponyride.com/birthday-parties They offer the Party Corrals with cooking area, picnic tables and ponies. Again, animals can't be within 20 feet of food prep or dining. The animals are directly next to the food prep and dining areas (Photo 6).

The main corral is within 20 feet of the food prep, dining area of a Party Corral. People were seen eating and drinking right next to the small carousel. There are two small corrals in the two Party Corrals which have food prep and dining. I witnessed ponies in the two Party Corrals. The goats are defecating in the food prep, dining area. The ponies defecate in the Party Corrals. Violation of Health & Safety Codes.

3. Stephen "Steve" Allen Weeks, Los Angeles Pony Rides Inc, Traditional Equitation School, The Loan Consultants Inc.

Per the 2016 Request for Proposals For the Operation and Maintenance of the GRIFFITH PARK PONY RIDE CONCESSION "Mr. Stephen Weeks, owner of Los Angeles Pony Rides, Inc., has twenty-two (22) years of experience in the horse and pony business. For the past six (6) years (since 2010), he has owned the Traditional Equitation School (TES) and developed a pony ride and lesson program serving children as young as four (4)." This statement does not appear to be true.

Stephen Allen Weeks controls Los Angeles Pony Rides Inc. an active California corporation # 3867428 (Ref. 10). Weeks is the CEO, CFO, Secretary and Director.

Traditional Equitation School was a California corporation # 1302280 which was terminated in 2012. Weeks is not the current owner. He owned it 2010-2017. http://www.traditionaleq.com/home https://www.ridetes.com/ The business claims "TES is the oldest and largest continually operating horseback riding school in Los Angeles." TES was established in 1979 at Bell Canyon Equestrian Center in Canoga Park, California, by Patricia Kinnaman and the late Lilian Van Dahn. TES moved to the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in 1986. The TES programs did not change from the ownership by Kinnaman to Weeks. They offered horses and no ponies to children. The minimum age was six not four. http://web.archive.org/web/20140315000000*/traditionaleq.com In 2017 it was sold to Tori English a movie editor. In a 2020 lawsuit an employee claimed the horses were unfit and unsafe to ride. Weeks history appears to include owning and breeding race horses.

Stephen Weeks owns The Loan Consultants Inc https://loanconsultants.com/ California corporation 1163479 which was suspended by FTB. The business claims to be "The Oldest and Largest Loan Affiliate Program in the World." They offer a two day class to become a loan broker for about $13,800. They don't bother to tell students you actually need a license. Based on the complaints I personally believe the school is akin to Trump University.

Weeks stated he was the founder of Sterling Bank of Beverly Hills. That does not match up with records. Earlier when he ran for political office he stated he was merely a shareholder. Weeks stated he ran two other “successful” finance corporations, Weeks & Associates, Century Capital Corp. Century is suspended. I can find no Department of Real Estate licenses for Weeks or his businesses. You need a license to be a loan agent.

Issues of greatest concern are the multiple personal injury lawsuits against Los Angeles Pony Rides, Griffith Park Pony Rides (under Weeks) and Traditional Equitation School. It appears children were injured and sued the companies. The Defendants appear to have settled then the Plaintiffs dismissed the cases which is normal protocol in PI cases. The Loan Consultants and Stephen Weeks were also sued. There is a restraining order granted against a Stephen A. Weeks which I believe is Weeks. I will be going to the courthouse to get the full record to be certain as it’s not available online unlike the others. Below are a few of those cases taken from Los Angeles County Superior Court http://lacourt.org .

WEEKS STEPHEN A.         Civil Harassment (Unlimited)      06/20/2012         Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse                Case Number:  MS008721 SAMUEL NAVARRO VS STEPHEN A. WEEKS
Plaintiff Navarro got a restraining order on a Stephen A Weeks.

WEEKS STEPHEN Case Number:  BC406289 STEWART PRITIKIN VS THE LOAN CONSULTANTS INC ET AL 2009 Wrongful Termination.

WEEKS STEPHEN A.         Other Compl-not Tort or Complex (Unlimited)   03/07/1996         Stanley Mosk Courthouse Case Number:  BC145770 ENRICO P. TUVERA, ET AL VS THE LOAN CONSULTANTS, INC., ET AL

LOS ANGELES PONY RIDES INC., GRIFFITH PARK PONY RIDES       Civil (Limited)     08/12/2019         Spring Street Courthouse Case Number:  19STLC07449 KOURTNEY HOLMES, ET AL. VS LOS ANGELES PONY RIDES, INC. Case Type:  Other Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death (Limited Jurisdiction) Case Number:  20STCV13934. A seven year old girl who’d never ridden a pony or horse previously was riding a fast pony in the Griffith Park corral on her birthday. The corral fence collapsed which startled the pony causing the pony to rear up and the girl fell off. Her foot was stuck in the stirrup so she was dragged upside down around the track on the ground while the pony continued to run. The staff had to chase down the pony then they took a while to get her untangled from the pony while she screamed. Witnesses were also screaming. Case was settled. I can provide a copy of the complaint, answer and settlement order.

TRADITIONAL EQUITATION SCHOOL        Other Employment Complaint Case (Unlimited)                04/09/2020         Stanley Mosk Courthouse            26 Case #20STCV13934 TES is allegedly the DBA for Tori’s Equitation School who is Victoria English. They board horses, give riding lessons. Employee Kelly Fielding sued for multiple labor law violations. I can provide a copy of the complaint and answer.

TRADITIONAL EQUITATION SCHOOL        Other Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death (Unlimited)    07/19/2006                Burbank Courthouse     

TRADITIONAL EQUITATION SCHOOL        Other PI/PD/WD (Unlimited)      07/19/2006         Glendale Courthouse    

TRADITIONAL EQUITATION SCHOOL        Other Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death (Unlimited)    02/17/2004                Stanley Mosk Courthouse           

TRADITIONAL EQUITATION SCHOOL        Other PI/PD/WD (Unlimited)      02/17/2004         Burbank Courthouse     

TRADITIONAL EQUITATION SCHOOL        PI Other -DO NOT USE (Unlimited)           04/28/1995         Burbank Courthouse     

TRADITIONAL EQUITATION SCHOOL        Other PI/PD/WD (Unlimited)      05/15/1991         Burbank Courthouse

Some of the lawsuits against TES may be from before or after Stephen Weeks owned the business.

Weeks has a history in Los Angeles. He ran for City Controller in 1981 against James Hahn and lost by a wide margin. He ran for County Tax Assessor in 1982 and again lost. During those campaigns he made false accusations against his opponents. Recently Steve Weeks posted on Facebook “These militant animal rights protesters are lying to the public about the welfare of our ponies to promote their own agenda of eliminating horse ownership.” “These are militant protesters, many of which are being paid to picket us.” “The Park Rangers and LAPD often cite and arrest these people.” “ALL HORSE OWNERS in Los Angeles County face an imminent threat. A small group of the most radical animal rights activists are picketing and protesting weekly at the pony rides. They belive that to own or ride a horse is slavery. That no horse should be owned or ridden.” “The pony rides are  just the protesters first step. They could soon be at any training barn or boarding facility trying to ban even private horse ownership and riding.”

The protesters are not being paid. They aren’t trying to eliminate horse ownership or horse riding. Weeks is clearly trying to incite horse owners against protesters for his own business agenda of making money.

Based on my inspection and research I don't believe that Stephen Weeks is the best candidate to run the Griffith Park Pony Rides and Petting Zoo. He has not been honest with the Commission. I feel there are other activities that could be offered in the park which would not be cruel to animals, would not be a danger to public health and safety, would not harm the City’s public image, would be more beneficial to children and the citizens of Los Angeles while still providing income to the City.

Sincerely,

Mary Cummins
Mary at AnimalAdvocates.us
Animal Advocates Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
www.facebook.com/AnimalAdvocatesUSA

cc: County of Los Angeles Public Health
USDA Inspector for Petting Zoo permit
California Department of Food and Agriculture
michael.a.shull@lacity.org, matthew.rudnick@lacity.org, rachel.ramos@lacity.org, paul.koretz@lacity.org, contactcd4@lacity.org, councilmember.blumenfield@lacity.org, councilmember.krekorian@lacity.org, councilmember.buscaino@lacity.org, councilmember.kevindeleon@lacity.org, councilmember.lee@lacity.org, councilmember.bonin@lacity.org, councilmember.harris-dawson@lacity.org, rap.commissioners@lacity.org

References

1.       Curriculum Vitae Mary Cummins http://animaladvocates.us/Mary%20Cummins%20Animal%20Advocates%20resume%20curriculum%20vitae.pdf

 

2.        CA Penal Code 597 https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN&sectionNum=597

 

3.       Animal Welfare Act
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalwelfare/sa_awa

 

4.       Articles: Children and Diseases from Petting Zoos
2019 Child Dies from San Diego County Fair Animal https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/tn-dpt-me-oc-fair-hand-washing-safety-20190701-story.html
Food Safety News, The Petting Zoo Problem https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/11/the-petting-zoo-problem/
CDC: Stay Healthy at Animal Exhibits https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/specific-groups/stay-healthy-animal-exhibits.html
Can People Get Sick from Going to Petting Zoos? Yes. https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/files/2008/04/JSW-MA2-Pet-Zoo1.pdf
WebMD: Kids & Petting Zoos https://www.webmd.com/baby/features/kids-petting-zoos

 

5.       California Department of Food & Agriculture, Animals and Human Safety
https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/FairsAndExpositions/Information/Animal_Exhibit_Signage.asp

 

6.       Center for Disease Control, Animal Sanitation
https://www.cdc.gov/phlp/docs/menu-animalsanition.pdf   https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/specific-groups/stay-healthy-animal-exhibits.html

7.       California Department of Food & Agriculture, Animal Fairs, Handwashing Signs
https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/FairsAndExpositions/Documents/Animal_Exhibit_Signage/Entry_transition_area_signage_DHS.pdf

8.       California Retail Food Code, Sections: 114259
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=HSC&division=104.&title=&part=7.&chapter=8.&article=6.

9.       California Civil Service Code, Section 54.1
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=54.1.

 

10.   California Corporation Search
https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business

hthttp://www.newspapers.com

Photos

See pdf above

1.      

2.      

3.      

4.      

5.      

6.       

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

• Mary Cummins LinkedIn
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Marcy Winograd files anti-SLAPP motion against Tawnis Pony Rides and Petting Zoo

Click to see current status of the case

http://www.lacourt.org/casesummary/ui/casesummary.aspx?sc123378

"On Thursday, December 11, 2014, I filed my anti-SLAPP motion to dismiss a meritless lawsuit challenging my right to express my OPINION that tethering ponies, butt to nose, to a metal carousel, forcing them to walk in circles on concrete for 3.5 hours is abusive.

Santa Monica Main Street farmers market animal vendors Tawni Angel and Jason Nester are suing me, while they lobby the Santa Monica City Council to reverse its decision of September 9th. The Council voted to give preference to non-animal children’s activity vendors when the contract expires in May, 2015.

Nester and Angel repeatedly argue that because market managers and animal control officers insisted there was no animal abuse, I should have remained silent in what I and 1,450 other people viewed as cruel and abusive treatment that relegates animals to mere subjects over which humans have complete dominion. If the Plaintiffs’ denial of First Amendment rights was applied to historical events and our citizenry not allowed to challenge the word of a person with a title or uniform, we would never have outlawed or ended human slavery, denial of voting rights to women and people of color, sweatshops, and child labor. Instead, we would be a nation of good soldiers taking orders, ignoring or abandoning our moral compass.

To ponies, to alpacas, to animals everywhere who are tightly tethered or penned, unable to turn around or seek water on their own, their freedom severely restricted, I am fighting back — and not just for them or for me but for protesters everywhere who under the First Amendment have the right to speak out, to assemble, and to petition their government for redress of grievances.

California law protects against what are called Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation. SLAPPs are lawsuits filed to silence protesters by burdening them with the costs and stress of a lawsuit. To learn more, visit theCalifornia Anti-SLAPP Project.

Many thanks to my wonderful lawyer Jim Frieden who never stops, to my loving husband Buddy Gottlieb for his endless support, to my co-defendant Danielle Charney, to the ever-supportive Suzanne Robertson and husband Barry, to Santa Monica City Council Members Ted Winterer and Gleam Davis for their leadership on this issue, to those who submitted declarations and showed up, to those who signed my Move On petition calling for an end to institutional exploitation, and to those who quietly support me/us every step of the way as they roll up their sleeves and do the hard case work in the middle of the night.

Our Anti-SLAPP hearing is scheduled in Superior Court in Santa Monica on January 9th.

Click HERE to read my Declaration submitted to the court.

CLICK HERE to read Plaintiff Tawni Angel’s Declaration.

CLICK HERE to read Marcy Winograd’s brief reply to the Plaintiff‘s opposition to Winograd’s Anti-SLAPP motion calling for dismissal of the case on First Amendment grounds.

CLICK HERE to read Marcy Winograd’s Reply Declaration to Tawni Angel.

You can sign my petition here to end animal cruelty at the Main Street Farmers Market in Santa Monica.

Marcy Winograd

http://www.laprogressive.com/pony-rides-dispute/


Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

• Mary Cummins LinkedIn
• Mary Cummins Meet up
• Animal Advocates custom Facebook name
• Mary Cummins Real Estate blog
• Animal Advocates on Google maps
• Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates
• Mary Cummins biography resume short
• Mary Cummins Real Estate Services
• Animal Advocates fan page at Facebook.com
• Mary Cummins Animal Advocates Squirrel Rescue
• Mary Cummins Animal Advocates on Flickr photos
• Mary Cummins Animal Advocates on Twitter.com
• Mary Cummins on Picasa web photo albums
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UPDATE: Tawni loses part of suit - Tawni's Ponies sues animal activist for defamation for expressing her opinion of Tawni's Ponies

UPDATE: February 18, 2015: Tawnis Ponies has filthy, old, rusted, dangerous barn and corral. Her animal inventory records are also lacking. Her trailer was on the premises and filthy yet there were no ponies October 2014. Her corral was so covered in feces there was not one clean place for animals to stand. I believe this is animal neglect and abuse.  http://www.animaladvocates.us/tawnisponiesusdaoctober2014.pdf

UPDATE: Judge Lisa Hart-Cole ruled on the anti-SLAPP motion January 22, 2015. I just got a copy. Judge Lisa Hart-Cole of Santa Monica Courthouse Dept WEO granted part and denied part of the motions by two defendants. Judge also ruled that Tawni Angel, her husband Jason Nester, Tawni's Ponies owes the legal fees of both Defendants. Based on the many lengthy filings I see huge legal fees maybe $25-$50K. I don't see any equity in Tawni's house, ranch, business. I doubt they have litigation insurance especially when they were Plaintiffs. They owe money all over the place for cars, credit cards, back taxes.... They may have to soon file for bankruptcy and shut down their business. Talk about shooting themselves in the foot.

One Defendant Marcy won her SLAPP motion on two causes i.e. emotional distress, injunction, lost on two, i.e. defamation, interference with business. Marcy is appealing the two causes in the SLAPP motion to the Second District Court of Appeals in Los Angeles. She will easily win. The City clearly stated repeatedly they weren't terminating Tawni's contract because of what Marcy said. The Plaintiffs never proved that the pony's hooves in the photo were not cracked. They look chipped and cracked to me. Plus that statement and those photos were part of the complaint made to the city. It is therefore privileged. Judge mixes up litigation privilege with fair report privilege. The Judge's order has many mistakes in it, is not in proper format and wanders all over the place. 

The other Defendant won every part of her anti-SLAPP motion. There was no defamation, no emotional distress, no interference with business and no injunction. Tawni owes all of her legal fees because Judge ruled the anti-SLAPP motions were not frivolous evidence by the fact some claims were won. 

________________________________

Tawni's Ponies and Petting Farm, Santa Monica, Marcy Winograd, defamation, animal abuse, animal cruelty

UPDATE: Here are more Animal Welfare Act violations by Tawnis Ponies and Petting Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu3harm.

USDA, Tawnis Ponies and Petting Farm, violations

USDA violations, Tawni's Ponies and Petting Farm

USDA, Tawni's Ponies and Petting Farm, violations

UPDATE: This is another reason why you would never want to sue someone for expressing their opinion about your animal business. Because people will start investigating you.

Tawni Jeannine Angel born December 1, 1980 has a criminal record. This is just misdemeanors and infractions from Ventura County. She was driving her trailer full of animals and speeding, talking on her cell phone, more speeding tickets with trailer full of animals, more speeding...

2013544773Angel, Tawni JeannineA13012405/08/2013Dismissed$0.00

12500(d) VC, (d) A person may not drive a motor vehicle or combination of
vehicles that is not of a type for which the person is licensed. Perhaps she only has a car license and was driving a motorcycle or trailer truck.

2013510243Angel, Tawni J01294QC12/24/2012Dismissed$0.00

5201(f) VC. License plate was not affixed properly?

2012549395Angel, Tawni Jeannine69324MV04/27/2012Bail Forfeiture$0.00

22349(a) VC Infraction N Bail Forfeited
Exceeding Maximum Speed Limit of 65 MPH

2011621937Angel, Tawni Jeannine63212MV11/27/2011TVS - Conviction$0.00

22406(a) VC Infraction N TVS - Conviction
Maximum Speed for Designated Vehicles - In Excess of Speed Limit by 10 MPH or more. 22406.  No person may drive any of the following vehicles on a
highway at a speed in excess of 55 miles per hour:
   (a) A motortruck or truck tractor having three or more axles or
any motortruck or truck tractor drawing any other vehicle.

2010568922Angel, Tawni Jeannine43610KP06/12/2010Bail Forfeiture$0.00

22406(a) VC Infraction N Bail Forfeited
Maximum Speed for Designated Vehicles - In Excess of Speed Limit by 10 MPH or more

2009557516Angel, Tawni JeannieA1465504/23/2009Bail Forfeiture$0.00

23123(a) VC Infraction N Bail Forfeited
Hand-Held Wireless Telephone: Prohibited use

2001562459Angel, Tawni Jeannine35771PS07/03/2001Bail Forfeiture$0.00

22450(a) VC Infraction N Bail Forfeited
Failure to Stop at Stop Sign

She was sued for collections from Chase Bank. It looks like it was dismissed because she evaded service.

56-2010-00373112-CU-CL-VTA
Case Title: Chase Bank USA NA vs. Tawni J Angel
Case Category: Civil - Unlimited Filing Date: 5/3/2010

Jason Nester
Judgment for Capital One Bank USA N.A. against Nester, Jason in the amount of: 21074.47 principal, 0.00 punitive damages, 435.00 costs, 1234.36 pre-judgment interest, and 0.00 attorney fees entered on 05/23/2011.

Guess who also has a criminal record? Jason Frederick Nester born oddly enough December 1, 1980. He has same birthday as his wife.

2013531373Nester, Jason FredrickA13053303/26/2013Bail Forfeiture$0.00

21461(a) VC Infraction N Bail Forfeited
Driver Failure to Obey Signs/Signals
4000(a)(1) VC Infraction N Bail Forfeited
Registration Required or Weight Fees Due.4000.  (a) (1) A person shall not drive, move, or leave standing
upon a highway, or in an offstreet public parking facility, any motor
vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole or pipe dolly, or logging dolly,
unless it is registered and the appropriate fees have been paid
under this code or registered under the permanent trailer
identification program, except that an off-highway motor vehicle
which displays an identification plate or device issued by the
department pursuant to Section 38010 may be driven, moved, or left
standing in an offstreet public parking facility without being
registered or paying registration fees.

2011567110Nester, Jason725157C06/28/2011Bail Forfeiture$0.00

23123.5(a) VC Infraction N Bail Forfeited
Text Communication Prohibited While Driving

2009530609Nester, Jason Frederick43235DC03/05/2009Dismissed$0.00

345063 VC Infraction N Dismissed - Proof of Correction
Inspection of Vehicles, Failure to Comply. No driving log or safety, maintenance. Is he a truck driver?

2008622237Nester, Jason FredrickA4960011/05/2008Bail Forfeiture$0.00

23123(a) VC Infraction N Bail Forfeited
Hand-Held Wireless Telephone: Prohibited use

2008579926Nester, Jason Fredrick39845CT07/14/2008Dismissed$0.00

12500(d) VC Infraction Y Dismissed - Proof of Correction
Licensed Driver Out of Classification. His wife also got one of these. Either no motorcycle or truck license.

2008539972Nester, Jason491569C04/09/2008Bail Forfeiture$0.00

23114(e)(4) VC Infraction N Bail Forfeited
Spilling of Load - Vehicle Transporting Aggregate Material Shall Not Require a Cover, If Load Remains 6 Inches From Upper Edge of Container.

2007574812Nester, Jason F.22829BA06/14/2007Dismissed$0.00

27465(b) VC Infraction Y Dismissed - Proof of Correction
Inadequate Tire Tread - Use on Highway Prohibited
26453 VC Infraction Y Dismissed - Proof of Correction
Condition of Brakes to be Maintained

2007523368Nester, Jason F.59753AW02/14/2007Dismissed$0.00

24002(b) VC Infraction N Dismissed - Proof of Correction
Unlawful to Operate Vehicle Not Equipped as Provided

2006581545Nester, Jason Fredrick41585AW06/15/2006Bail Forfeiture$0.00

27315(d)(1) VC Infraction Y Bail Forfeited
Mandatory Use of Safety Belts Required - Driver

2005609023Nester, Jason Fredrick25509AU10/07/2005Bail Forfeiture$0.00

22450(a) VC Infraction N Bail Forfeited
Failure to Stop at Stop Sign

2001571608Nester, Jason Fredrick64662308/09/2001Bail Forfeiture$0.00

27315(d)(1) VC Infraction Y Bail Forfeited
Mandatory Use of Safety Belts Required - Driver

Based on the above horribly unsafe driving records I don't think they should be driving their kids or animals. I have no tickets on my driving record. The above citations were just the last few years as the database doesn't go back any further. Vehicle not in safe condition, running stop signs, speeding, driving without proper license, no seat belt, using a cell phone, texting on a cell phone, driving a load of aggregate without a cover, driving a large animal trailer and speeding... Maybe someone should call child protective services. Do they drive like this with their kids on board? They are both very bad drivers who don't seem to care about the law.

And now for family law cases only in Ventura. While it says "family law harassment" this is civil harassment. Tawni tried to get a restraining order on Colin Walkden for leafleting but was DENIED. She lied and said there was physical violence. She also filed it in the wrong court. She should have filed in civil, not domestic. Colin was never her boyfriend or husband. Here is copy of printout. She filed the TRO application and was denied instantly. She's not very bright and definitely not ethical.

Tawni Angel, Tawni Angel-Nester, tro, restraining order, denied, tawni's ponies, petting zoo

ANGEL-NESTER,  TAWNI PLAINTIFF TAWNI ANGEL-NESTER VS COLIN WALKDEN FAMILY LAW HARASSMENT WITH VIOLENCE D309090 2/9/2005

This pulled up for "Jason Nester" in California but I'm not positive it's his lien.

Debtor: NESTOR,J
Debtor Address: 14955 SATICOY ST APT 115
VAN NUYS  CA  91405-1131
Secured Party: IRS
Filing Date: 09-12-1996
Amount: $10,624.00
Court: LA COUNTY / RECORDER OF DEEDS
Court County: LOS ANGELES
Court State: CA
Case Number: 961504301

They owe back taxes

Debtor: TAWNIS PONIES AND PETTING FARM I
Debtor Address: 8800 GRIMES CANYON RD
MOORPARK  CA  93021-9768
Secured Party: STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Filing Date: 02-09-2007
Amount: $1,152.00
Court: VENTURA COUNTY COURT (RD)
Court County: VENTURA
Court State: CA
Case Number: 20070208000274030


Debtor: TAWNIS POINES AND PETTING FARM I
Debtor Address: 8800 GRIMES CANYON RD
MOORPARK  CA  93021-9768
Secured Party: STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Filing Date: 02-08-2007
Amount: $1,152.00
Court: VENTURA COUNTY COURT (RD)
Court County: VENTURA
Court State: CA
Case Number: 2007090500172659

They owe what looks like back taxes, don't pay their credit card bills, had their car loan cancelled.

Tawni's Ponies had USDA violations and lost their USDA permit. They did not have a responsible adult available for the inspection. Did they leave their little kids home alone or maybe with spanish speaking maid? After operating illegally without a permit for almost a year they finally decided to reapply March 2014. I may do an info act request to get the rest of their records.

Tawni's ponies, petting zoo, lawsuit, usda permit cancelled

Here is their animal list. They are not zoned for a domestic pig. I think they have too many farm animals per lot size. Her attorney just said she has 90 animals. That is way too many for that lot. I know alpacas, llamas are legal in LA County because I was the one who spent two years getting the amendment to zoning. I don't know if it's legal in Ventura County. I have the same USDA inspector.



UPDATE: Tawnis Ponies and Petting Farm was operating without the needed USDA exhibit permit from November 19, 2013 to April 22, 2014. They failed their inspection June 5, 2013 before they were cancelled.

CASE SUMMARY
Case Number:  SC123378
TAWNI J. ANGEL ET. AL. VS. MARCY WINOGRAD ET. AL.
Filing Date:  11/10/2014
Case Type:  Defamation (Slander/Libel) (General Jurisdiction)
Status:  Pending

Future Hearings

02/23/2015 at 08:30 am in department O at 1725 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Conference-Case Management

Documents Filed | Proceeding Information

Parties
ANGEL TAWNI J. - Plaintiff
CHARNEY DANIELLE - Defendant
CHOMIAK DONALD E. - Attorney for Plaintiff
NESTER JASON F. - Plaintiff
TAWNIS PONIES AND PETTING FARM INC. - Plaintiff
WINOGRAD MARCY - Defendant
Case Information | Party Information | Proceeding Information

Documents Filed (Filing dates listed in descending order)
11/10/2014 Complaint Filed
11/10/2014 Summons Filed
Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff

Attorney Donald Eugene Chomiak Jr 1/10/65 rents a one bedroom apartment in Santa Monica. He also leases part of an efficiency legal suite in an office in Santa Monica. He seems to be a one lawyer office. His main practice is real estate law. I see no previous defamation cases in New York or California. He's been in practice since 2001 in NY and 2003 here in CA. Divorced, into sports.

The suit is for libel per se, intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, intentional infliction of emotional distress and injunctive relief. This means in discovery Plaintiffs will have to turn over all of their medical and psychological records for all time, all of their personal and business bank statements for years, all of their personal and business tax returns, all of their veterinary records for last decade, all of their animal inventory reports (which animals died, which were sold, bred, killed), names of all employees and volunteers. The various websites, facebook, Google, YouTube will also be subpoena'd. We can see who posted the nasty, revolting things against Marcy et al and the threats. I'm now being attacked and I have never even met Marcy.

As far as I've read online Marcy has not defamed anyone. Everyone has said for years that carousel pony rides and petting zoos are in and of themselves "animal abuse," "cause pain, suffering and death," and are "inhumane" "animal cruelty." Marcy never said that Tawni was "charged and convicted of animal abuse by police." She said "I believe this is animal abuse," which it is.

Marcy and others had every right to protest, send emails, go to City Council. Reports to government agencies are fair and privileged. They can never be defamation. Tawni received fair and legal notice of the meeting. As per the Brown Act they only need to give them 72 hours notice. They got five days. Marcy's people stayed to 1:00 a.m. Tawni didn't have anyone willing to stay to 1:00 a.m. These meetings frequently go to 2:00 a.m. I spoke at WeHo against fur at 1:30 am. Tawni's ponies will lose the contract because the city of Santa Monica has been moving away from cruel animal events. They voted to make cat declaw illegal with us. The City even said "it's not because of the reports or anything to do with Marcy, it has to do with the city evolving and changing."

Interesting. Tawni and Jason bought their home in mid 2005 for $1M. At almost the absolute peak they refinanced for $1M. Their monthly mortgage is about $5,300. Your mortgage can't be more than 28% of your net income or 33% of your gross income. That means they told the bank they gross $16K/month. They state they make $75K off pony rides which is 80% of their income. That means they say they make $94K/yr. They told the bank they make $192K/yr in order to get their current mortgage. I don't know their exact interest rate because I don't feel like looking it up. Maybe they got an adjustable. If they did this, it would be mortgage fraud. It appears to me they have been upside down on their house since they refinanced. I think they owe more than what they have. They both didn't pay big credit card bills. Seems they live above their means. If they know the Santa Monica contract will most likely be over with May 2015, they should start looking for other work now.

_________________

Their property is zoned A-E as single family residence only with agricultural exclusive use only. They cannot run a business from the lot. Minimum acres is 40. Here is definition of the zone:

Sec. 8104-1.2 - Agricultural Exclusive (AE) Zone
The purpose of this zone is to preserve and protect commercial agricultural lands as
a limited and irreplaceable resource, to preserve and maintain agriculture as a major
industry in Ventura County and to protect these areas from the encroachment of
nonrelated uses which, by their nature, would have detrimental effects upon the
agriculture industry."

Here is definition of "agricultural" zone, "Agriculture - Farming, including animal husbandry and the production and management of crops (including aquatic crops) for food, fiber, fuel and ornament. (AM. ORD. 3730 -5/7/85)"

It does not include filming, animal rental, pony rides, petting zoos.

Here is the zoning for Ventura County.

http://www.ventura.org/rma/planning/pdf/zoning/VCNCZO_current.pdf

202 E Guiberson Rd, Fillmore, CA. Husband bought this for about $1M then refinanced it for over $1M. It has an illegal unit on the property. It can ONLY be used as a residence. It's illegal for them to conduct a business on the property which they are doing. I doubt they have a conditional use permit. They will have to move or get a CUP. They will not be able to get a CUP on this property. Just searched and they don't have one. They are in violation of Ventura County Planning and Zoning for use, animals, illegal structure...I also doubt they got film permits for every location shoot. I will call and find out. Tawni's lawyer stated they have 90 animals on the property. They are way over the limit. The lawyer says the animals roam in a five acre pasture. They do not. If they did, coyotes would eat them all. They are locked in stalls in a barn.

I'm curious why they keep breeding their animals. Real farm sanctuaries never allow their animals to breed. They always have tons of babies which are popular with petting zoos. They must be selling the animals. I'd hate to think what else they might be doing with them. They did buy these animals. They are special dwarf goat, cow breeds, llamas, alpacas, a mini-pig, fancy chickens...

PETA, HSUS, ASPCA...all say that pony rides are in and of themselves animal abuse. Below are their actual statements. They have been fighting to shut them down.

PETA states pony rides are animal abuse. "Pony Rides: Tethered tightly to turnstiles and forced to plod in endless circles, ponies can suffer from hoof ailments and are often left sore and chafed from ill-fitting equipment. Equines are specifically excluded from protection under the federal Animal Welfare Act, and if local or state authorities fail to intervene, the outcome can be deadly."

PETA about petting zoos. We already know that they are bad drivers. I'm sure their bad driving endangers their animals. "The animals used in petting zoos are hauled around in tractor-trailers, confined to small pens and cages, and forced to interact with large crowds of people. The animals are rarely allowed to rest when on display, and they often develop health problems from this forced interaction."

PETA states "ride bikes, not animals."

I just saw my first pic of these pony rides in Santa Monica. This is animal abuse. They are tied to a small carousel to go round and round on cement with no shade. Quite a few cities and states have banned carousel pony rides such as Pamploma, Spain, Miami Shores, Florida, Hollywood, Florida... The World Equine Organization has called for a complete ban of carousel pony rides. North Carolina is thinking of outlawing them for health reasons after many were made ill and one person died from e-coli.

Green Mountain Animal Defenders says this "Green Mountain Animal Defenders opposes the use of animals in any form of sport in which animals have no choice but to participate. Ponies used in pony rides are tethered to a carousel or cart and forced to carry passengers for hours. This leads to hoof problems and other ailments. The ponies are generally sent for slaughter or otherwise discarded when no longer profitable."

HSUS says this "The Humane Society considers the sale, the handling of the ponies during the sale, the pony rides and the transport to the sold ponies' new homes stressful and cruel to the animals."

From the ASPCA "The ASPCA is opposed to the cruelty that is inherent in using either wild animals or livestock in unaccredited zoos, roadside menageries, petting zoos, game farms and the like, and in attractions such as elephant rides, camel rides, and llama and pony rides that either stand alone or are attached to such venues."

Guess who is supporting Tawni's Ponies? Organizations that use horses to make money such as carriage horses, horse racing... Carriage horses and horse racing are animal cruelty. The horse isn't doing these things because they want to. They are forced. Imagine if someone grabbed you and forced you to pull people around or carry people. You won't not like it. Horses are supposed to be free in the wild not carrying people. We forced them to do that.

Information from the Center for Disease Control about petting zoos. Hand washing stations are better than sanitizer. You must make sure kids don't kiss the animals or touch the animals and touch their mouth, face, eyes. Pretty tough with the under seven crowd. Here is Tawni doing what you are not supposed to do.

http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/spotlight_an_exhbts.htm

http://www.webmd.com/baby/features/kids-petting-zoos

Here is a link to the Santa Monica City Council item where they decided to not renew the pony ride contract. They decided not to renew it because the City does not like animal entertainment. I know because I've worked with them many times. The area is small. They'd like to have children activities and maybe more dining area. What I don't get is how they allowed it in the first place. You can't have food sale, dining right next to animals. I know because animal adoption events generally can't be in Farmer's Markets.

http://www.smgov.net/departments/council/agendas/2014/20140923/s2014092303-A.htm

Here are the minutes.

13-I:    Request of Councilmembers Davis and Winterer that, in anticipation of the expiration of the current contract at this site, the City Manager issue an RFP for children's-oriented activities at the ingress/egress of the Main Street Farmers Market that gives preference to partners in our Buy Local initiative and non-animal activities, such as painting, arts and crafts, gardening, cooking, food preparation and decoration. If the bids do not meet with Council's approval, Council may reserve the entrance to the Main Street market for open space or dining, was presented.

Councilmember Davis nominated Councilmember Winterer to serve as Acting Chair in Mayor Pro Tem’s absence. The motion was accepted by acclamation.

Members of the public Ira Gottlieb, Marcy Winograd (donated time by Liz Ford), Nazila Mahgerefteh, Lucy Mueller, Colin Wadkin, Danielle Charney, Janet McKeithen, Nicole Phillis, Mike Salazar, Zoe Muntaner, Robin Doyno, Jackie Hirtz, Lisa Chess, Judith Powell, Ruth Olafsdottir, Robert Goldman, Maria Loya, Catherine Eldridge, and Ed Hunsaker (20 people)
spoke generally in favor of the recommended action.

Members of the public Stacy Dalgleish, Linde Williston, Chuck Nester, James Angel,Tawni Angel (donated time by Jason Nester), Ana Maria Daisy Demars, and a person identifying himself as “People of California” (8 people) spoke generally in opposition to the recommended action.

20 people to 8 people. The people have spoken.

Considerable discussion ensued on topics including health, pony treatment, Request For Proposal, and operational issues.

Motion by Councilmember Davis, seconded by Councilmember Winterer, to approve the requested action with the modification to permit staff to reconsider the placement of activities in the farmer’s market.

Motion to amend by Councilmember Davis to direct staff to either put out a Request For Proposal or create a pilot educational program. The amendment was friendly to the seconder.

Motion to amend by Councilmember Davis to additionally direct staff to look for alternative locations for live animal activities. The amendment was friendly to the seconder.

The motion was approved by the following vote unanimously:

AYES:        Councilmembers McKeown, Winterer, Davis, Vazquez
NOES:        None
ABSENT:   Councilmember Holbrook, Mayor Pro Tem O’Day,
                    Mayor O’Connor

Video of the speakers starting at 5:19. This link will take you to the exact item 13 i. Great speakers opposing the contract. The people for the contract all were for animal exploitation and abuse. They are oblivious that this is abuse. They want to teach people that we should take wool from sheep, eggs from chickens, goats for milk and cheese. I'm amazed she didn't talk about burgers and fried chicken. The kids would have been very upset. I was the first time I found out burgers were cows. Kids are very likely to get sick from petting zoos. Many kids cry on the ponies.

Councilmembers made some great statements especially McKeown. He said we've come to a point that maybe we don't want pony rides any more. He talked about being a vegetarian and how we need to be for the environment. Other councilmember said many people have complained about the pony rides. It's a controversial situation. The city doesn't want controversy. Kevin talked about how Santa Monica is changing. He mentioned the mural titled "Unbridled" where the Santa Monica carousel horses come alive then leave the carousel to go run free on the beach.

Santa Monica horse carousel mural "Unbridled" horses run free on the beach

http://santamonica.granicus.com/mediaplayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=3329

Note a sign that says no animals allowed right next to the petting zoo.

Tawni's Ponies and Petting Farm, animal abuse, no animals allowed

More information here. http://www.freethepony.org/



Great article Marcy Winograd wrote about this situation.

http://www.smmirror.com/articles/Opinion/Santa-Monica-Animal-Cruelty-Disguised-As-Entertainment/40476

Facebook page about this issue
https://www.facebook.com/freethepony

Tawni's Ponies and Petting Farm, crying kids, animal abuse

Entity Name:	TAWNIS PONIES AND PETTING FARM, INC.
Entity Number:	C2638476
Date Filed:	05/04/2004
Status:	ACTIVE
Jurisdiction:	CALIFORNIA
Entity Address:	202 EAST GUIBERSON RD
Entity City, State, Zip:	FILLMORE CA 93015
Agent for Service of Process:	TAWNI ANGEL
Agent Address:	202 EAST GUIBERSON RD
Agent City, State, Zip:	FILLMORE CA 93015

Tawni does not always tell the truth. "In 2003, one of her biggest goals was realized when she and her husband purchased a pony ride company and founded “Tawni's Ponies and Petting Farm” By 2008, they were serving all of Southern California, supplying animals to 250 events a year, had purchased another local company, Animal World Petting Zoo, and joyfully celebrated the birth of their first child." The other women also ran a horse carriage business. She says she was a teacher. Then why are there so many spelling, grammatical errors in what she wrote March 2005?

"Hi, my name is Tawni Angel, I am the owner of "Tawni's Ponies & Petting Farm".  I have spent my entire life studying and learning about horses and ponies, I am a Certified American Riding Instructor, Recreational Riding Level 2.  I have competed on the hunter/jumper circuit extensively with my 17 hand Thoroughbred "Rhylee".

Before starting "Tawni's ponies" I taught horseback riding lessons on the weekends and worked full-time as a teacher for a local preschool.  Needless to say my love for children and animals has brought me here.  I truly feel blessed, I have found my calling.

Our ponies and petting farm are here to serve all of your special event needs. We pride ourselves on spending an abundant amount of time working with our animals, teaching them to be kind and gentle with children. Meanwhile we get the chance to teach children about the care and work involved with ponies, goats, sheep,ducks, chickens, rabbits, pigs, mini's,donkey's,horse,cows ............and so on.

Our company has been attending Birthday parties, Farmers markets, and Carnivals for 10 years.  We look forward to serving your family with our wonderful ponies and loveable critters.

We are excited to inform all of you:
Tawni's Ponies& Petting Farm has recently purchased; Animal World Petting Zoo.  We look forward to meeting"
_____________

They had a car loan which was terminated.

iling Number: 087165033508
Filing Date: 07-10-2008
Filing Jurisdiction: CALIFORNIA
Filing History:
FILING TYPE FILING DATE
UCC3 TERMINATION 06-06-2011
TERMINATION 06-06-2011
Secured Party: CITIZENS AUTOMOBLE FIN.
Secured Party Address: PO BOX 255587
SACRAMENTO  CA   95865- 5587
Debtor: MR JASON F NESTER
Debtor Address: 202 E GUIBERSON RD
FILLMORE  CA   93015- 9749
Debtor: MS TAWNI J ANGEL
Debtor Address: 202 E GUIBERSON RD
FILLMORE  CA   93015- 9749

The lawyer who took this case for Tawni's Ponies obviously just wants to get a lot of money out of them. He has no case. Thank god in California we have anti-SLAPP legislation. Texas just recently enacted a similar statute. If only they'd enacted it before I was falsely sued for defamation for stating the same thing. In my case USDA agreed with me in writing. At least I'll soon win my appeal.

The activist stated that Tawni's Ponies was committing "animal abuse." The activist feels having pony rides, petting zoos in this matter is tantamount to "animal abuse." That's fine. The activist did not state that Tawni was "charged and convicted of animal abuse by the police." There was no defamation. This will be an easy win for the defendants. They will end up with $50-$75K from the Plaintiffs. The negative press will most likely cause Tawni's ponies to go bankrupt.

Video of a happy pony having fun running around free and jumping. Compare the video of the carousel ponies with this. Look at the body language, expression of the ponies. Night and day. Carousel ponies are shackled to the carousel so they can't raise their head or buck off the rider.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om-A-KB59Qo

Tawni's Ponies and Petting Zoo have been reported to the City of Santa Monica, Santa Monica City Attorney, and USDA for violations.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxE8KfVPjYF4MmE4OFF0YUs2OXc/view?usp=sharing

I was sued twice for defamation, represented myself and won. The cases are similar though unfortunately I was sued in PA and NY which did not have anti-SLAPP at that time. My first case was 2001. I won in 2002. Every word I said was the truth. They went bankrupt.

http://marycumminsrealestatemarycummins.blogspot.com/2011/03/philadelphia-judge-throws-out-ashton.html

Second was in 2003 and I won in 2004. This woman went out of business. She was a company paid stock promoter who lured in gullible elderly investors with her lies who then lost their life savings.

http://marycumminsrealestatemarycummins.blogspot.com/2011/03/kathy-knight-mcconnel-vs-mary-cummins.html

Tawnie's ponies will lose the anti-SLAPP motion to strike complaint. I may go to court to watch the proceedings. The below was forwarded to me from an animal rights group. Marcy forgets that the lawsuit is also retaliation for her shutting down the petting zoo in Santa Monica. Marcy stated in a report to a government agency that they committed animal abuse. Anything in a report to a government agency is privileged and protected. It can never be defamation no matter what. If one repeats what one said in a government report, that is still protected.

Dear Animal Champion:

  SLAPPED. FIRST AMENDMENT FIGHT!

   The operators of the tethered pony ride and cramped petting zoo at Santa Monica’s Main Street Farmers Market have filed a million-dollar lawsuit against me, another pony friend, and 20 as yet unnamed defendants, in what I believe is a SLAP SUIT (strategic lawsuit against public participation) to bully us and silence our opposition to animals tethered to a metal pole and forced to plod in tiny circles for hours on hard ground, unable to turn around or seek water on their own during a hot summer day. To see photos, videos, petition links and more, click below. http://www.laprogressive.com/pony-ride-protester/


  I intend to fight for our First Amendment rights by filing an ANTI-SLAPP motion to protect my freedom of speech rights – and those of others who might otherwise be deterred by coercive litigation from exercising their rights -- and to defend the rights of suffering animals, sentient beings with emotional lives worthy of dignity and compassion.

  Please support our First Amendment fight by visiting these media sites and posting your comments.

Animal Rights Activist Rebuts Pony Operator Charges
http://www.laprogressive.com/pony-ride-protester/

  

Pony Operator Sues Protestors/SM Daily Press
http://smdp.com/pony-ride-operator-sues-protesters/143793

Tawni’s Ponies Strike Back/SM Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Tawnis-Ponies-Strike-Back-At-Santa-Monica-Protestors-With-Lawsuit/41739

Issues to address:

  

**If a lawsuit like this is allowed to go forward, it will chill ongoing political debate on a range of subjects, from animal exploitation to overdevelopment to workers rights and union-busting to drone warfare and fracking.

** This lawsuit is a publicity stunt to circumvent the city council's action, which was a legislative decision that cannot be directly challenged because, with few exceptions, the council's decisions are immune from litigation.

**Under defamation law, the pony operator does not have grounds to go forward because she is a public figure, whose animal treatment was the target of a year-long public protest in 2005, Hence this subject -- the tethering and trapping of animals -- is a matter of public interest and debate.

**Ultimately what is at stake here is the right of ordinary citizens to protest and petition their government for redress of grievances, as well as the right of animal lovers everywhere to advocate for humane treatment of non-human companions.

  Thank you for your support.

  To Free Speech,

  Marcy Winograd

http://www.animalworldpettingzoo.com/

"SANTA MONICA, California -- A small business owner who operates pony rides and a petting zoo is fighting back against the animal rights activists who convinced the city council to cancel her annual contract next May.

Tawni Angel, the owner of Tawni's Ponies, and her husband filed a lawsuit Monday in Los Angeles County Superior Court against Marcy Winograd and Danielle Charney, plus twenty other defendants, claiming defamation, intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The lawsuit alleges that Winograd and fellow animal rights' activists claimed falsely that Tawni's Ponies was committing "animal abuse," and that they continued to make that false claim even after being informed that the Santa Monica Police Department’s Animal Control Unit had investigated and found no evidence to support it.

A separate police report from Sgt. Mike Graham, cited by the plaintiffs in their complaint, stated:
I examined the ride set-up. The horses appeared in to be in good condition – their body weight appeared normal, their fur was clean and brushed, their manes and tails were brushed and healthy, the ground around them was clean and evenly flat, they walked on sawdust shavings, and there was no visible urine or feces. The equipment – saddles, bridles, and (thick) pads were in good condition. The horses were “quiet” and well behaved. I saw nothing to make me believe the horses were ill-treated, unhealthy, malnourished, injured, or in discomfort. The horses did not appear hot, were not sweating, and were on a timed (30 minute alarm,) water-break schedule.

I saw that as the horses walked in circles, their speed and disposition was constant and calm. Their path took them in and out of shade from the sun.

"Despite receiving written notice that there was no evidence of animal abuse, Winograd and the other defendants continued to wrongly accuse Angel and Nester of abusing their animals," the plaintiff's complaint states, citing several examples, including accusations repeated on YouTube in August, long after the police investigations:

On occasion, the complaint alleges, the animal rights activists even cited the California Penal Code, accusing Tawni of committing a crime--a claim that, if false, is libelous on its face.
The complaint also alleges that Winograd took personal photographs of Angel and her husband from his Facebook page drinking alcohol on vacation, and sent the photographs to city officials in her effort to convince them to terminate the Tawni's Ponies contract.

Those emails had an apparent effect, according to documents obtained by Angel under California's public records law. City council member Ted Winterer, for example, allegedly responded to Winograd via email and agreed with her about "the character of the owners." In addition, the complaint notes, Facebook posts by Charney called Angel and her husband "“racist – bigoted – anti- women RW [right-wing] alcoholic gun toters.”

As a result, the plaintiffs allege, the Santa Monica City Council decided not to renew its contract with Tawni's Ponies to provide pony rides and a petting zoo to the Sunday farmers' market on Main Street. The contract had been renewed since 2003. The decision was made at 1:30 a.m. in a council meeting in September from which several members were absent or had gone home. Unless the decision is reconsidered, the contract will expire in May 2015.

Angel's attorney, Donald E. Chomiak, told Breitbart News on Tuesday: "I'm very confident in our position in this lawsuit. The record speaks for itself."

He cited the police report from May 2014 that exonerated Angel--and that referred to the animal rights activists as "very rude" and "argumentative" in describing their protest at the market.

Winograd knew Angel had been cleared, Chomiak said, yet "the entire time this woman kept spewing."
Reached by telephone on Tuesday, Winograd struck back.

"I think it's a coercive lawsuit designed to bully and intimidate people who exercise their constitutionally-protected free speech rights. I think it's meant to silence me and the over 1,400 others who signed a petition calling for the closure of the animal exhibits at the Main Street Farmers Market," Winograd told Breitbart News.

Winograd said she will file a motion under California's anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) laws, which protect First Amendment rights against legal intimidation.

Update: Chomiak responded to Breitbart News regarding Winograd's intent to file an anti-SLAPP motion:
Animal abuse is not a matter of opinion.  It is a crime under California's Penal Code and has specific elements that must be met.  The police told Winograd on multiple occasions there was no evidence of animal abuse (i.e., that these elements had not been met). Thus, I think my clients are very likely to defeat an anti-SLAPP motion.

He noted that damages could potentially exceed several hundreds of thousands of dollars, given the annual value of the contract to Tawni's Ponies."

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

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