[FMC] Petting Zoo at the Market?

[Diane Eggert]

MessageDeborah,

In New York State, some counties have restrictions on petting zoos. Some require complete exclusion from human touch, most if not all require hand washing stations, some require specific fencing surrounding the animals - double line of fencing with a specified amount of space between each line to prevent hands from reaching the animals, etc. We have also found that there are different regulations if we call it a petting zoo vs callng it a farm animal display. Wording can be important in which inspector's attention you attract!

It is also important to post signage warning of potential hazards - animals can bite, for example, and requiring anyone touching the animals or handling animal feed to use the hand washing stations and not to touch nose, mouth or eyes until they have properly washed.

Don't forget the insurance, too. Work with your insurance carrier to be sure that your liability coverage is adequate for this activity. It may require an additional rider, but it is worth the expense to be covered.

In my experience, petting zoos or farm animal displays are a huge attraction. People will come to the market just to see the animals. As a farmer at a market with goats, I sold a great deal of extra produce to parents who wanted to have something for their children to feed the goats. So it kept the families in the market longer, they spent more and they had a terrific family experience. Lots of pictures and videos taken!

Diane Eggert
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Deborah Yashar 
  To: 'Farmers Market Coalition listserv' 
  Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:15 PM
  Subject: [FMC] Petting Zoo at the Market?


  Does anyone have experience/knowledge about LEGALITIES / RESTRICTIONS regarding having live animals at farmers' markets (as a family friendly featured activity/small petting zoo)?

   

  Thank you in advance,

   

  *Deborah Yashar

   

  Deborah Yashar

  Food Systems Program Manager

  Agriculture & Land-Based Training Association (ALBA)

  (831) 758-1469 x 18 office

  (831) 345-7957 cell

  (831) 758-3665 fax

  deborah at albafarmers.org

  www.albafarmers.org

   



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