An iconic attraction at Griffith Park can be shuttering for good by the top of the 12 months.

The Griffith Park Pony Rides, which have been in operation for greater than 70 years, can be closing completely on Dec. 21, proprietor Steve Weeks introduced Sunday.

Weeks made the announcement on Fb and mentioned the choice was made by the Metropolis of Los Angeles to not renew the enterprise’s contract.

“After 74 years serving the youngsters and fogeys of Los Angeles, this iconic establishment can be closed endlessly by order of the Metropolis. You will have all adopted our battle towards these few radical animal rights activists. Regardless of our 12 months lengthy battle to reply the unfaithful statements of those people, our efforts weren’t heard,” Weeks wrote.

The horse rides have come underneath fireplace by animal rights activists lately, with some alleging that the ponies have been overworked and handled poorly. The accusations have led to some protests, which Weeks had mentioned left many shoppers sad and resulted in kids being yelled at by demonstrators.

A company known as Los Angeles Alliance for Animals, which has been probably the most ardent critic of the institution, lauded the choice and accused Weeks of animal cruelty.

In the end, Weeks mentioned, the choice to cease the horse rides got here from the Los Angeles Division Recreation and Parks.

Within the coming days, Weeks mentioned he can be working to search out “endlessly properties” for the ponies, which he mentioned could be given to “certified horsepeople who care as a lot about our ponies as I do.”

Recreation and Parks launched an announcement Sunday that reads:

“The Griffith Park Pony Journey concession contract will expire on December 21, 2022. After cautious consideration, the Division of Recreation and Parks has determined to not prolong the contract.  Pony rides will due to this fact be closed to the general public starting December 22, 2022.  On the request of the Metropolis Council, the Division will undertake a group enter course of to re-imagine the leisure and academic actions provided at this location in Griffith Park to proceed offering youth and households an inexpensive and fulfilling expertise.”