LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Animal activists Thursday delivered a letter with more than 11,500 signatures to the city's Department of Recreation and Parks advocating for a non-animal model program to replace the former pony rides and petting zoo at Griffith Park.

"We are urging recreation and parks and the Los Angeles City Council to implement a non-animal model for the safety of our community, including every child who visits Griffith Park," Zohra Fahim, president of Los Angeles Alliance for Animals, said in a statement.

During Thursday's Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners meeting, members of the LA Alliance for Animals and In Defense of Animals submitted their letter, highlighting the many voices opposing animal cruelty and urging no animal be used as a form of entertainment, according to Fahim.

Fahim told City News Service the department has met with the organization to discuss possible programs to replace the Griffith Park Pony Rides, which officially ended on Dec. 21, 2021.

While there was discussion about no-animal models, the city seems to be exploring animal models as well, which does not bode well for animal activists, according to Fahim.

The Department of Recreation and Parks did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

"Ending the pony ride and petting zoo contract was a major step towards ending the exploitation of animals in the city of Los Angeles," Brittany Michelson, campaign specialist for captive animals at In Defense of Animals, said in a statement.

She added, "Los Angeles is a leader in ethical and progressive policies, and this is a perfect opportunity to choose the compassionate and progressive route."

According to the In Defense of Animals website, animal activists are calling for city officials to introduce an environmental education program or possibly other alternatives such as go-karts, or inflatable obstacles courses.

In December 2022, the Department of Recreation and Parks made the decision not to renew its contract with Stephen Weeks, owner of Griffith Park Pony Rides, citing a "lack of transparency" into the deaths of four ponies. The program had been criticized for alleged animal cruelty by animal rights activists.

A report conduced by Dr. Rachael Sachar, who inspected the facility's 38 ponies, seven goats, two rabbits and one sheep on Jan. 3, 2023, found "the working conditions to be satisfactory and did not witness any gross violations related to the care or the treatment of the animals on exhibit."

However, Sachar also found what she called "several legal violations that need to be rectified, medical issues that need to be addressed, and new policies and practices that need to be established for the safety and welfare of the animals."

Weeks had previously stated the four deaths in question were "elderly, retired ponies." He said two died of severe colic and were euthanized to spare them prolonged pain, one died suddenly overnight, and the fourth suffered a "bizarre accident" when the animal was kicked by another horse.

The Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners will continue to receive progress reports about a possible program to engage residents and visitors to Griffith Park.