Animals Come First for Rodeos

On April 28, The Times published an article (“Animal Lovers Staying on Rodeo’s Back”), which chose a path of reporting that was irresponsible, had misinformation, and was obviously directed by those with a self-serving interest at heart.

The article was an example of animal rights extremism and attacked the sport of professional rodeo. The article overflowed with poorly researched information provided by animal rights groups more interested in the public’s donation dollar than in providing them with the truth based on fact.

The article placed great emphasis on animal rights activists’ statements and provided absolutely no qualified documentation. On the other hand, the article trivialized the significant veterinarian documentation provided to the reporter by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Assn., which clearly proves the low incident of injury to animals in PRCA-sanctioned rodeos.

The Humane Society of the United States, to which the writer referred, is an animal rights organization currently involved in allegations of misuse of donations by some of its top officials. The so-called “yearlong” investigation by HSUS was actually three years and resulted in only six minutes of questionable video footage. As one unbiased reporter told me after he saw the video, “with only six minutes for three years worth of investigation, I thought it made the sport of rodeo look very good.” Veterinarians with firsthand knowledge of a rodeo were not consulted for comment about the video by HSUS.

Millions of fans enjoy the sport and know of the care provided to the livestock in rodeo. Much of the public is better educated on responsible animal welfare than most animal rights groups. Many activists try to do the public’s thinking for them. Rodeo continues to grow at a rapid rate because the public can easily see the truth by attending a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo and doing a little homework in order to draw their own conclusions.

Responsible and humane treatment of animals should be the watchword of anyone who truly loves animals. Responsible and humane treatment have been the watchword of the PRCA since 1947 when the first humane rules were established.

TERRI GREER

Animal Welfare Coordinator

Professional Rodeo Cowboys Assn.

Colorado Springs, Colo.

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* I am sure the rodeo promoters will be upset that your article informed your readers of the harsh reality surrounding the treatment of rodeo animals. Of course, people understand that rodeo promoters and organizations such as the PRCA want to keep a pretty picture of the care of their so-called “animal athletes” when it involves generating income as high as $200 million.

Animal Lovers, the Humane Society of the United States and concerned citizens have absolutely no financial gain in trying to protect these animals.

When statistics are given about the amount of injuries that take place, we need to question the source that they are coming from. It’s like the old adage, “Never ask a barber if you need a haircut.”

JANE GARRISON

Dana Point