Rodeo no fun
To the editor:
Off to the Tucson Rodeo this weekend for some old Western fun? I hope not. Rodeo is not simply harmless fun for guys and gals in silly-looking cowboy hats; it is nothing short of animal abuse.
Those horses and bulls do not buck because they're such "wild" animals. Rather, strong straps are fastened around their sensitive flank area. Just before the gate opens, the straps are pulled very tightly, causing the animal substantial pain. In fact, the animal will not stop bucking until the straps are loosened, regardless of whether the rider is still mounted. These tightened straps commonly cause painful flesh wounds.
Of course, no rodeo is complete without "calf roping." In this event, a calf is tormented behind a closed gate by cowboys' shoving, kicking, yelling and tail twisting. As the gate opens, the terrified calf escapes, reaching speeds up to 27 mph before being abruptly yanked by a lasso around the neck.
The rodeo teaches the mistreatment of animals for fun and profit is acceptable. If you care at all about animal welfare and you're looking for something interesting to do this weekend, check out the Peace Fair at Reid Park instead (Saturday only).
David Sudarsky
Astronomy graduate student
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