Posted on 11/17/2004 5:45:47 PM PST by BullRidingLawyer
Dear Freepers:
I am writing to you today about an issue that some of you may be indifferent to; and I hope to convince you that the protection of rodeo and rodeo sports is important enough to deserve your attention. Please read this message and give it careful consideration.
The Cowboy and Rodeo are a part of our American culture. Events such as Bull Riding are becoming more popular as cable television broadcasts events from the PBR and PRCA. However, a small number of animal rights extremists are trying to ban this fun family-oriented sport. Not only does this affect the fans who enjoy watching this sport, but also the cowboys such as myself who enjoy participating in the sport.
I am a law student at Stetson University College of Law and today I was interviewed by a reporter with the St. Petersburg Times about my efforts to repeal an ordinance in St. Petersburg, as well as other ordinances in other Pinellas County cities, that ban rodeo sports. My argument is threefold:
1. Rodeo, especially roughstock events such as Bull Riding, do not hurt animals. Flank straps are not tied around a bulls sex organs and are not tightly cinched around a sensitive area of the bull. They are cotton ropes that cause a minor discomfort - like a tickling sensation - encouraging the bull to extend his back legs and kick. They cause no damage or torment to the animal and are immediatly removed after a ride has been completed. Similarly, spurs do not break the ribs of bulls, cause internal injuries, or even cuts. Bulls have extremely thick hide and rodeo cowboys use extremely dull spurs for the purpose of anchoring their feet. Finally, cattle prods have widely been accepted as a humane way of moving animals like bulls and there is no evidence that bulls or horses are tormented with such devices. In fact, rodeo animals command a premium price and are often involved in profitable breeding programs. It is in the best interest of cowboys and owners to treat their animals well. Rodeos are not the "last stop before the slaughterhouse".
2. If local governments can prevent people like me from riding bulls, what can't they do? Law banning rodeo are not grounded in common sense; most are backed by animal rights crowds that believe animals are entitled to similar rights as human beings. Why in our society should we prohibit an activity like rodeo that causes no social harm and that many find enjoyable.
3. Rodeo is a family-oriented activity that is good for the community. Although a dangerous sport, it is a wholesome activity for teenagers to become involved in. Rodeo schools are available around the country and modern protective gear such as helmets helps deal with the risk involved in riding bulls. Shouldn't we be encouraging such activities; considering the alternatives, riding a bull is not the worst thing a person can do. It builds confidence, discipline, and keeps you in shape (you can't be out of shape and ride bulls). Furthermore, rodeo shows are spectator-friendly and are family oriented entertainment. Finally, rodeos can be used as charity fund raising events to help the community.
If you live in a city where rodeo is banned or where a rodeo ban is being considered, I urge you to write your mayor and city councilman urging them to vote against the ban if its coming up for a vote, or to repeal the ban if it already exists. For those of you living in Pinellas, Pasco, or Hillsborough County, Florida - especially the City of St. Petersburg - please write your council members and tell them you oppose bans on the sport of rodeo.
Jason Van Dyke
Ironic given much of SouthWest Florida was built by cattle ranchers.
I announced rodeos in the late 80s and 90s, and can certify what you said.
Rodeo stock are the assets of the stock contractor's business. He will not tolerate abuse of his assets. Injuries to animals used in rodeo are few; rough stock used in bucking events work an average of 2 minutes a year for year-round care. Bulls, especially, with their thick skins, are almost never injured.
Rodeo is the oldest sport in America and provides clean, wholesome entertainment. Let's keep it goin'.
I was interviewed today about it so there may be some uproar in St. Pete about it; I am hoping some St. Petersburg, FL folks see this post and write their councilman about making rodeo legal and that others write about keeping rodeo legal.
Have you considered contacting the Florida Cattlemen's Association? They should provide some guidance.
I have been in contact with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Animal Welfare office - this St. Petersburg ordinance has appartently been in effect since before I was born. I had emailed the city council about quietly getting rid of it, and the St. Petersburg times found the story of a law student riding bulls to be newsworthy - so the cat is about to be let out of the bag. My goal here is to:
A) Continue work toward repeal of the St. Petersburg Rodeo Ordinance
B) Prevent the passage of any additional ordinances banning rodeo.
I live in California's Stanislaus County, where Oakdale, the "Cowboy Capital of the World" is located. Occasionally some crank writes in the paper about the "cruel treatment" of animals, but what with people from the Bay Area invading our space and all, a rodeo ban does some imminent.
You should be working to fight that ban tooth and nail. Rodeo is increasing, not decreasing, in popularity (especially with the televisation of the PBR). A ban on rodeo is the will of the most extreme and flat-out ignorant people in the country. Whats worse, they portray rodeo supporters as "uneducated rednecks" in an attempt to make us look the the ones who are misinformed and uneducated. Their entire campaign is based on lies and deception.
I think you should work, perhaps with other Freepers, in your area to fight this. The animal rights movement in the country is incredibly dangerous; totalitarian in nature. I know about "Friends of Rodeo", but I sure do wish rodeo had a more popular and lucratively funded public awareness campaign to aimed at exposing the lies of PETA and the American Humane Society.
I love the bulls I compete on; by this I say I am not pleased when I get bucked off, but Bull Riding is a contest between man and animal. When I get bucked off, it means the bull won that contest and in any athletic competion there has to be a winner and loser. I have my favorite bulls where I ride and I like drawing them; I think these bulls know what their job is (to try and buck me off) and they enjoy doing it.
Jason
I like Adriano Moraes. I hope he recovers soon.
The animal rights wackos claim that their problem with rodeos is the "abuse" the animals receive and that all roping events should be banned.
End game is that they oppose livestock auctions as well considering the animals are only going to be slaughtered for meat.
BTTT!!!!!!!
You are correct. To suggest that rodeo stock is abused is ridiculous, the livestock owners simply wouldn't stand seeing all their investment harmed. The animals are cared for, fed, transported, boarded...all in the idea of keeping them in good shape to run the sport.
I love a good rodeo. Been much too long since I've seen one. Probably the most dangerous job is that of the clown.
Prairie
.................Stop cutting the heads off of all the horses during the Rodeo Show?
Plus, you have these people SHARK
What about the Odessa Rodeo and Festivial and the Plant City rodeo, are they threaten too?
FYI for horsey set
Rodeo, especially roughstock events such as Bull Riding, do not hurt animals.
But:), sorry I have to say this. Bull riding does not hurt the bull, I agree. But the sport it self is NOT a part of the American Cowboy Culture. All the other events in rodeos, have come from the old day cowboys actual work. Roping, racing, breaking horses. They never rode bulls.
I fear bull riding is being romantized and younger boys who do not understand the danger are trying it. I was at a rodeo awhile back where a 18 year old was throwed off backwards in the shoot and got his head smashed. He was dead right there.
If there was some history to bull riding that came from the real cowboy days, it would be different, but there is not. It wouldn't hurt my feelings at all to see this event stopped even if it was for the bulls sake:)
Becky
We will never see an event in Pittsburgh because the city has outlawed the use of the flank strap in city limits. I swear these people are morons.
Heck, even Filthadelphia hosted a PBR event last year.
I'm with you there. I just started following the PBR earlier this year. These men literally pay (entry fees) to put their life on the line every weekend and they can walk home with no paycheck. Not your typical whiny overpaid professional athletes for sure.
Adriano never blames anyone or anything else if he has a bad day. Always smiling and he supports his fellow competitors when they're down and hurt. I hope he can come back from his elbow injury and have a great year.
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