Dear Elmvale Fairgoers,
We hope you are as excited as we are for this year’s edition of our cherished event. As we gear up for another fun-filled fair, we would like to bring to your attention a crucial policy – our No Pets Policy.
Your furry friends hold a special place in our hearts, just like they do in yours. However, to ensure the safety, well-being, and enjoyment of all our guests and participants, the Elmvale Fair has decided not to allow pets on the grounds during the fair. We understand that this decision may disappoint some pet owners, but let us assure you it is grounded in thoughtful consideration and a sincere wish to make the fair an enriching experience for all.
Our Municipality does not allow pets inside the Arena, except for service animals, which are always welcome. The Arena is the heart of our fairgrounds and a hub for various activities. Consequently, the presence of pets could pose potential risks to public safety and disrupt activities.
Similarly, our policy also extends to livestock shows and barns. Pets, particularly dogs, near livestock can cause unnecessary distress and potential hazards for both parties.
There are several ways in which dogs (or other pets) can unintentionally harm livestock at a fair, particularly in settings like a livestock show or a barn:
- Stress and Anxiety: Like all animals, livestock can become stressed or anxious due to unfamiliar stimuli. The presence of dogs, which are natural predators, can cause livestock to become agitated or scared, leading to health problems or disrupting their performance in shows.
- Disease Transmission: Dogs can potentially carry diseases that can be transmitted to livestock, even if they appear healthy. Some conditions can seriously affect livestock health, productivity, and overall well-being.
- Physical Harm: Dogs, mainly those not accustomed to livestock, can potentially cause physical harm. Even a friendly dog could accidentally injure livestock due to excitement or fear. Also, dogs may induce harmful behaviours in livestock, such as panicked stampedes, that can lead to injuries.
- Interruption of Routines: Livestock often follows strict routines for feeding, rest, and performance in shows. The presence of dogs can disrupt these routines, causing further stress to the animals.
- Safety of Dogs: It’s also important to consider the dogs’ safety. livestock, when threatened or frightened, can harm a dog, particularly larger animals like cows or horses.
- Disruption of Events: Dogs can disrupt livestock shows and judging events, not just by spooking the animals but also by distracting judges, handlers, and viewers, impacting the fairness and enjoyment of these events.
Livestock shows are an essential part of our tradition at the Elmvale Fair, and we aim to ensure a peaceful and safe environment for the animals, exhibitors, and spectators alike.
The Elmvale Fair is a bustling event filled with vibrant sights, loud noises, and large crowds. While this creates an exciting atmosphere, it can be overwhelming for our pets. The midway noise, the thunderous cheer from the tractor pull, and the sea of people can unsettle them, causing stress and anxious behaviour.
The unfamiliar smells – from food stalls to livestock – can overstimulate our pets, further adding to their discomfort. You wouldn’t want your beloved companion to feel uneasy amidst the fair’s exuberance.
Given these reasons and our deep-rooted responsibility to protect the well-being of all animals – pets and livestock included – we’ve decided to enforce a stringent rule: no pets are permitted on the fairgrounds, except for service animals.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with this policy. The Elmvale Fair is a community celebration, and we strive to ensure a positive and memorable experience for everyone. We look forward to welcoming you and creating more delightful memories at the fair!
Warm Regards,
The Elmvale Fair Team
