The Rodeo
For an animal to entertain a human at a rodeo, they are put into un-natural, painful situations. Horses and bulls buck, not only because there is someone riding them, often times jabbing them, its because of the strap, called a flank strap, that is pulled tightly around their groin. This flank strap is irritating, and would not buck with out it.
For a human to understand how this must feel, we must place a strap tightly around our groin, constant pressure. For any of us of the male gender, or female for that matter, who have had the unfortunate experience of slamming their groin or getting kicked in the groin, which is a never forgetten and well avoided experience for future reference, we only get a glimpse of what constant pain would feel like in this most sensitive area.
There is even a 'pro-rodeo' organization under the guise 'Friends of Rodeo'. They claim to be: "the only organization solely devoted to protecting and promoting the sport of rodeo - all of rodeo regardless of association affiliation."
They also claim that animal rights activists have done alot to stop rodeos: "In response to tactics by the animal rights groups, rodeo and rodeo events have been banned in the following U.S. cities: Pinellas County Florida, Fort Wayne Indiana, Southampton New York, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, Leesburg Virginia, Baltimore Maryland, and the ENTIRE State of Rhode Island bans calf roping!" From their website, I can only conclude that the animals used in entertainment, are not considered worthy of protection.
I came across this statesment from 'Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association' website:
"Members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association believe, as do most people, that animals should be treated humanely. The PRCA staunchly protects its animals with rules designed to insure proper care and treatment. More than 60 rules and regulations that govern all aspects of care, treatment, travel and competition are a part of the PRCA's animal welfare program. A veterinarian is required to be on-site at all PRCA rodeo performances and sections of slack. The PRCA publishes factual information regarding humane treatment of rodeo livestock. In addition, the PRCA has educational information available to schools, 4-H and FFA clubs, rodeo committees and others interested in learning more about the PRCA and the animals involved." - http://www.prorodeo.com
And lets not forget the 'calf roping' part of rodeos. A rodeo judge, according to PRCA stated "I have seen many calves injured or killed. For example, at Fort Worth a few years ago, 22 calves had broken legs." - from 'The Chieftain', Letter to the Editor, Feb 15th, 1993.
Amazingly, this is known throught out rodeo organizations. This may be one reason why the management at the 'Grand National Rodeo' and 'San Francisco Cow Palace' has stated they have calf roping at the end of the program. The mindset is, since that is when the least people are attending, since alot go home, less people will see the disturbing part of the show.
Does that make sense? If most people leave prior to this, knowingly, due to the calf roping, why not just stop the calf roping. I am sure there are a few people still amused at watching grown men, and sometimes kids, chasing after a calf, tackling it, and tying it up. Not to mention the noises that come from the calf's body when a leg is broken, or maybe the crying out the calf may do, not only out of fear, but because this innocent animals inner organs are getting damaged. I guess it could feel like someone kicking you in the ribs and the kidney. I doubt that feels good. Not to forget mentioning the part about having the spine or trachea severed. It may make a little noise, but for the rodeo people, money is more important than an animals suffering.
I came across the 'The National High School Rodeo Association' which apparently teach highschoolers about the joy of animal abuse and mention "American Paint Horses earn starring roles in Walt Disney Pictures' "Hidalgo", as if this is a positive thing. They also post news about the "mystique and history" and "action and tradition" of using animals for entertainment.
I find this to be a P.R. (Public Relations) move. It is obvious to us all, that animals used in entertainment survives because it is a money making entity. The only concern for the animals, is that they make money. When they stop, they are disposed of.
PETA's 'Buck the Rodeo' webpage states: "Rodeo promoters say that the animals are wild and rough, but without the use of spurs, tail-twisting, and bucking straps cinched tightly around their abdomen and groin, these frightened and often docile animals wouldn't even buck. They are terrorized into action when men shove electric prods into them, twist their necks, yank them by their tails or legs, slam them to the ground, or otherwise batter them. The fact that most of these innocent animals are eventually destined for the slaughterhouse in no way justifies compounding their agony along the way."
Maneka Gandhi, when commenting on a car ad, states; "As you all know, rodeo is when an animal like a horse or bull is maddened by being hurt, hit, fed with alcohol and things put into the anus: all to make it buck." - http://www.dayafterindia.com/nov1/open_house.html
I do not know how the 'Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association' can explain these behaviors, but I am sure they can't. It is simple, 'Abuse is Abuse' there is no two ways about it.
For more facts on rodeos;
Stop Bullfighting and Rodeo Petitions;
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