I HAVE a few comments regarding rodeos that I would like readers to think about!
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There is a rodeo being organised in Beechworth to raise funds for our sporting clubs.
There are other ways to raise funds than rodeos.
We as so-called civilised animals should not be able to take an animal somewhere that it would not choose to go to do something that it would not choose to do.
A horse is a herd animal and I’m sure would not enjoy being around a noisy atmosphere and led into a chute narrow enough to prevent it from turning around.
Then a flank strap is placed on the horse. The flank is one of the most sensitive parts of a horse.
A big cowboy gets on to the horse’s back and the horse immediately wants to get rid of him and tries to buck but is confined.
Just before the chute is opened, another cowboy yanks on the flank strap to tighten it, which, according to the Australian Professional Rodeo Association information, makes the horse alter its “bucking style”.
An electric prod can also be used to “guide” the horse.
Spurs are rounded and have to spin but are used to help the rider with his or her “timing”.
An APRA lady told me they trained the horses to buck and I asked just how that was done? I didn’t get an adequate answer.
All one has to do is have the guts to hop on a given horse to see how much it bucks.
It’s just plain wrong for us to use animals in such ways just to amuse ourselves.
Why does the ACT ban them — and so many other countries around the world — if they aren’t forms of animal abuse and mistreatment?
If in the rope and tying contest one causes the calf to flip backwards or is dragged for over a metre the rider is breaching the rules. Tell the offended calf that! It often ends up with a broken neck.
Do readers see anything wrong with treating horses, bulls and calves in this manner?
We are dealing with child abuse, domestic violence and other forms of violence within our own society.
Why do we have to extend our activities into the lives of other species?
— SUMNER BERG,
Beechworth