There are a bunch of cows chilling under Toronto's Gardiner Expressway
A group of cows and horses has been spotted beneath a stretch of Toronto's Gardiner Expressway, leaving locals torn.
Footage circulating online shows the animals casually hanging out in their designated area under the bridge, lying on piles of straw as traffic passes overhead.
While many Toronto residents are left scratching their heads, rest assured that the animals haven't been permanently displaced from their homes. Instead, they've been temporarily relocated to their makeshift abode under the Gardiner ahead of their appearances at the upcoming Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
Returning to the city for its 104th edition this weekend, the event is an annual agricultural fair and equestrian competition, and the largest of its kind in the world. While the 10-day affair draws thousands of visitors, not everyone online is thrilled about how the animals are being housed ahead of the occasion.
"Cancel animal shows and contests. Animals should not be exploited for profit," someone commented on an Instagram reel. "This is so wrong. What the hell @theroyalfair ?!!? This is Animal Abuse! You should all be ashamed of yourselves!," another wrote, directly calling out the event in hopes of receiving a response or prompting some action.
Others have suggested that rather than keeping the animals in one place for days before the event, organizers should make greater efforts to transport them to the venue on the day of the show. They argue this would prevent the animals from being exposed to unnecessary noise and the surrounding traffic pollution.
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair has extensive rules and regulations in place to ensure the safety of participating livestock.
The show is committed to the animals' well-being, stating in its rules and regulations that, "Animal health, stall/animal sanitation, and safety should be considered at all times. Adequate provisions must be made for ventilation, feeding, and watering throughout the show. All handling, housing, and veterinary treatment must ensure the health and welfare of the animals."
The complete outline of livestock rules and regulations is available on the event's website.
The attraction returns to Toronto from Nov. 6 to 15 at Enercare Centre.
@pia.bengaltigress
