Editor:

I'm writing in response to the Feb. 26 article about the rodeo entitled "Protesters denounce rodeo, deem it as cruel to animals." It really makes me sad to see that these people could make statements without even knowing the facts. I myself once believed that the rodeo was cruel to animals, but a good friend who is a rodeo advocate had given me the opportunity to attend the rodeo and experience what it is really about. To much of my surprise, the rodeo was nothing like what I expected. The animals weren't mistreated at all, as a matter of fact those animals looked extremely well fed and hardly overworked. I think that it is really unfair for protestors to blatantly lie out of ignorance without even attending the actual event.

I would like to address one statement in particular that really caught my eye made by Lisa Markkula: "The reason calves run so fast is that cowboys are tormenting them by either kicking them, twisting their tails, or even using electric shock to the anima l's anus." This statement is completely absurd. Here are some humane facts presented by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association:

1. "Rodeo livestock live long and healthy lives. Veterinarians attribute it to the good care they receive from the Stock Contractors which includes quality feed and adequate exercise."

2. "The electric prod is operated by flashlight batteries. It produces low voltage, but virtually no amperage. Since amps, not volts, cause burns, the prod causes a mild shock, but no injury. The PRCA has specific rules in place which govern the use of th e prod. Animals may only be touched on the hip or the shoulder and the prod must be used as little as possible. However, electric prods are no longer used on rodeo livestock except for chute stalling animals." These are just a few rules that must be obeye d.

Lastly, I would like to mention the immaturity and cruelty of some students right here on campus. My friend that I mentioned earlier has been tormented and harassed since the article has been printed. Not to mention the hate mail that she and I have been receiving at the dorm. I hope that I have not offended anybody, I just felt that the facts needed to be stated.

Starr Sackstein
creative writing freshman