WEST SPRINGFIELD – Each year, the Big E fair draws in crowds of thousands of guests hoping to taste new foods, play carnival games, enjoy the rides and observe animals. Guests have a number of opportunities to view, ride and photograph animals. The Western Mass. Animal Rights Advocates are fighting against the use of animals in the fair, stating that the methods used to care for and train them are abusive.

On Sept. 29, the Western Mass. Animal Rights Advocates stood outside of Gate 5 and shared handouts outlining the alleged injustices brought upon animals in the fair. Signs read, “Say No to Animal Acts” and “Elephant Rides are Animal Cruelty.” The words, in large bold letters, were difficult to ignore. Protesters faced traffic during one of the fair’s busiest weekends, and greeted fairgoers as they entered, hoping to educate them on animal abuse.

The Big E hosts a number of attractions featuring animals including elephant and pony rides, petting zoos, the Camel Kingdom show, Bear Country, a circus and piglet races. The Western Mass. Animal Rights Advocates are against these events, and protested each weekend of the year. Not only were they protesting animal injustice, but Commerford and Sons, who bring the animals to the fair each year, as well. The group also protested against Westfield Bank, who sponsored the Camel Kingdom show for 2018.

Sheryl Becker, organizer of the Western Mass. Animal Rights Advocates, hoped to bring attention to and change the way the Big E operates.

“Our goal is to get the Big E to remove their wild animal exhibits for good. We have been educating the public about the cruel exhibits, urging them to speak out to the Big E. We want wildlife in travelling shows, especially the elephants, to be freed from such cruel and unnatural lifestyles and allowed to enjoy the rest of their lives in a sanctuary,” she said.

2018 was a major year for the fight against animal cruelty, with media outlets and social media users sharing videos and photos of alleged abuse. In a viral video, an attendent appeared to attempt to drag a camel owned by Comerford and force it to stand.

The video sparked outrage, as well as photos of one of the elephants appearing sickly. The content prompted Facebook users to speak out about the Big E’s wrongful treatment of animals. A petition on Change.org has yielded over 10,000 signatures to date.

While the Big E used to hold fond memories for Becker, the use of animals in the fair has made it difficult to enjoy the event. She hopes to see the use of animals abandoned at the fair altogether.

“I grew up going to the Big E and enjoying the rides, games, music and state houses. This agricultural fair is now regarded by organizers as a ‘New England extravaganza,’ but the fair has exploded far beyond agriculture and New England heritage. The Big E uses wild animal acts for entertainment and such exhibits are not just inhumane, but some are even dangerous to humans,” she said.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have shared literature nationally, alleging instances of poor living conditions and injuries to the animals under the care of Commerford and Sons. They have also reported instances of humans being injured by the animals after being provoked. “

We are concerned about human safety as well as the ethical aspect. We urge people to take action by complaining to the Big E, sponsors, signing the petition, contacting state legislators, and spreading the word.” Additional information can be found on the Western Mass. Animal Rights Advocates Facebook page.

The crowd of protesters was large. Each person involved spoke passionately about the animals they love and a cause they believe in to incoming guests. Though the fair may be over for 2018, the Western Mass. Animal Rights Advocates will continue to fight until they see the use of animals abolished at the Big E, and in other forms of entertainment.

Western Mass Animal Rights Advocates are also asking for support of H. 418, a bill currently moving through legislature that would prohibit the use elephant acts in travelling shows in Massachusetts if passed.

Western Mass. Animal Rights Advocates will protest the newly opened Springfield location of the Puppy Place on October 13, after reports of dogs being allegedly sold from puppy mills and in abusive conditions.