Sheep are a type of livestock animal found in petting zoos.
Petting zoos appeal to urban and suburban families who have little contact with livestock animals. Children are allowed to feed and stroke tame animals such as goats, chickens and rabbits. Many petting zoos are temporary operations, set up for a fair, while others are permanent exhibitions at zoos or museums. To run a safe and hygienic petting zoo, there are regulations that must be strictly adhered to, such as adequate shelter for the animals .
Goats and Sheep
Most counties and states have general laws on how domestic and livestock animals should be treated and petting zoo animals fall under this kind of jurisdiction. For example, according to Kenton County, adequate shelter is something that is structurally sound, sanitary, weatherproof and and suitable to the species of animal it is housing. A goat, for example, would need at least a three-sided pen, with a roof for overnight shelter. This would protect the animal from wind and rain. At least 15 square feet of bedded area per goat is recommended by Penn State. Sheep can be housed in a similar fashion and ventilation should come from above their heads. However, drafts should not come in from under doors.
Rabbits, Hamsters and Guinea Pigs
Rabbits are smaller animals and would be fine in smaller living quarters, such as a wooden hutch that is at least 4 by 2 feet, according to UC Davis. Rabbits need to be separated from all other species. Hamsters and guinea pigs need shelter approximately the same size as rabbits but must be housed overnight indoors. Rabbits cannot live in glass aquariums, but hamsters and guinea pigs do fine in this kind of shelter. Wood or paper shavings must also be included at the bottom of their living quarters.
Ponies
Ponies at petting zones must be housed overnight in stalls or stables where they can stand up. The stalls should also have straw in them. The walls should be at least 1 1/2 times the pony's overall length. Partitions are necessary to separate the ponies, and the stalls must be cleaned daily for manure. The doorway to each stall must be wide enough for a pony to enter. Stalls without windows need to have an open-top doorway to provide adequate ventilation for the ponies. Ponies at a petting zoo that are not used for rides must receive at least one hour of daily exercise.
Regulations
The USDA regulates petting zoos on the federal level. The overall health of the animals must be good and the entire petting zoo must be fenced in. Water and food must be made available to the animals and shelter and shade is needed to protect the animals. The animals also need rest areas away from the public, as well as veterinary care if needed.
At the local city or county level, petting zoos are also regulated. For example, in New York City permits are given out by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Animal waste must be disposed of without creating a public nuisance and animals need to have all their proper and necessary vaccinations and shots.
