Dear :

I am upset to learn that [name of sponsor] plans to host rodeo events.

Modern rodeos are a graphic portrait of animal cruelty. Domesticated animals are bullied into such unnatural acts as calf roping, steer wrestling and roping, bareback bull riding, saddle bronc riding, and wild cow milking. To perpetuate the fantasy that gentle animals are wildly dangerous, handlers antagonize them with electric prods, painful flank straps and tail twisting.

Animals are forced to wear bucking straps that cinch their intestines and groins so unbearably, they must frantically buck in response to the pain. Dr. Charles Haber, a veterinarian and former federal meat inspector who has observed many discarded rodeo animals, asserts: "I have seen animals with 6 to 8 ribs broken from the spine and, at times, puncturing the lungs. I have seen as much as 2 to 3 gallons of free blood accumulated under the detached skin." In the calf roping event, delicate young animals suffer considerable damage to the ligament that secures the neck to the body. According to Dr. Robert Fetzner, wounded calves indisputably endure extreme pain.

Moreover, the rodeo introduces children to authorized animal abuse. Kids view spurs, prods and ropes as mere instruments in a contest where the most brutal performers earn the greatest rewards. The effect of rodeo violence on children has influenced some sponsors to end their association with the rodeo.

Have you examined PRCA's record for enforcing its "paper" standards? They have a dismal record of citations for failing to enforce a minimum of safety and well-being for rodeo animals. Before you rest assured that PCRA (and other comparable "professionals," such as the IPRA, NHSRA, & APRA) sponsorship guarantees the animals' humane treatment (and there is no such thing as "humane treatment" at rodeos), you need to be aware of their track record. Do you really want to generate this much controversy and ill-will? Please review the attachment of documented incidents and consider how they will affect the public's perception of your organization.

I urge you to cancel all rodeo events. Please, for the sake of the animals and the safety of the public, implement a formal policy against the use of animal acts as promotions, and schedule only cruelty-free events.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,


ATTACHMENT OF DOCUMENTED INCIDENTS:

Fall 1982 -- San Francisco Grand National Rodeo (PRCA): A calf suffers a broken leg, bleeding badly. He is taken to ranch and killed. Also, a horse suffers a broken leg and is killed.

1983 -- California Rodeo in Salinas, California (PRCA): Two horses dead. One suffered an aneurysm, collapsed and dies in the arena. Another had his leg broken, and was killed.

Fall 1984 -- San Francisco Grand National Rodeo (PRCA): One calf - severely injured - is hidden from Humane Officer

1985 -- California Rodeo in Salinas, California (PRCA): One horse dies after hitting head on a steel post. Two calves suffer fractured legs -- one is taken to a slaughterhouse and the other is given a cast. Two more calves suffer dislocated legs and are given casts.

November 1985 -- San Francisco Grand National Rodeo (PRCA): One bucking horse suffers a broken back and is killed. One roping calf suffers a broken back. One horse suffers a swollen knee, one horse suffers a gash on head, one horse suffers a face injury, one horse suffers a cut on hock.

November 1986 -- San Francisco Grand National Rodeo (PRCA): One horse suffers a fractured rear hock. ELECTRIC SHOCK DEVICE used to force animals to "perform."

November 1987 -- San Francisco Grand National Rodeo (PRCA): One calf suffered a broken leg, one calf suffered right rear leg injury, one calf suffered laceration on face, one calf suffered a sprained leg. Four horses suffered lacerations, one horse suffered a gash on the face, one horse suffered an injured hoof, one horse suffered a gash between the ears, one horse suffered a cut on right rear leg. One bull suffered an injured leg. ELECTRIC SHOCK DEVICE used to force animals to "perform."

1989 -- California Rodeo in Salinas, California (PRCA): A calf goes down during the calf roping event and is unable to stand. It is destroyed later.

1989 -- San Francisco Grand National Rodeo (PRCA): ELECTRIC SHOCK DEVICE used to force animals to "perform."

1990 -- California Rodeo in Salinas, California (PRCA): A horse suffers a broken leg and is killed.

1990 -- San Francisco Grand National Rodeo (PRCA): One horse suffers a shattered disk during bucking, one horse suffers a cut eye. ELECTRIC SHOCK DEVICE used to force animals to "perform."

June 1991 -- Reno Rodeo in Reno, Nevada (PRCA): A bull suffers a broken back and is killed.

July 1991 -- California Rodeo in Salinas, California (PRCA): One horse suffers a fractured rear leg and is killed.

1992 -- Reno Rodeo in Reno, Nevada (PRCA): One horse left arena with bleeding nostrils which soon became severe bleeding from nose and mouth. The horse was killed. One horse with 6 inch gash on chest. Several horses, calves and steers limping with injured legs. One steer suffered a broken horn. An attempt was made to secure horn with duct tape.

1993 -- California Rodeo in Salinas, California (PRCA): A bull has his rear leg caught in a fence and suffers a break while trying to free himself. The bull is killed.

July 1993 -- Wauconda Rodeo in Wauconda, Illinois (IPRA): Multiple severely underweight steers with open, swollen wounds.

1993 -- Frontier Day Rodeo in Cheyenne, Wyoming (PRCA): Two horses and one steer are killed.

1993 -- Lake County Fair Rodeo (IPRA): Many animals SHOCKED WITH 5,000-VOLT PRODS to force them to "perform."

July 1994 -- Wauconda Rodeo in Wauconda Illinois (IPRA): One horse's leg becomes caught in rope during calf roping. No report is given on horse's condition. Multiple horses with open flank strap wounds.

1994 -- Lake County Fair in Illinois (IPRA: Many animals SHOCKED WITH 5,000-VOLT PRODS to force them to "perform."

September 1994 -- Fraternal Order of Police Rodeo in Lake County, Illinois (PRCA: ELECTRIC SHOCK DEVICE used to force animals to "perform." A steer is killed during the steer wrestling event. The dead animal was hastily rolled onto a piece of section of fencing and rushed from the area. A short time later, rodeo people paraded another steer in front of the crowd, claiming it was the animal that had actually been killed. A young man working as a volunteer through the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) uncovered the fraud. In fact, he was one of the people who carried the dead steer out. He reported that everyone was told of the INTENDED FRAUD, and everyone was warned to never talk about what had really happened. This young man showed great bravery. He was the only person among the rodeo cowboys or the Lake County Sheriff's Police who told the truth. The PRCA stood behind the false claims of the stock contractor, the Barnes Rodeo Company.

July 1995 -- California Rodeo in Salinas, California (PRCA: Three horses killed (broken leg, broken neck, heart attack), a steer dies of a broken neck, a calf's back is broken. Although veterinarians were present, they did not euthanize the calf, as they didn't want to "ruin the meat." The young animal lay suffering for over an hour until he was finally taken to a slaughterhouse, where he was killed.

July 1995 -- Wauconda Rodeo in Wauconda, Illinois (IPRA): Several children shook up and/or crying after falling during sheep riding.

1995 -- Lake County Fair in Illinois (IPRA): Many animals shocked SHOCKED WITH 5,000-VOLT PRODS to force them to "perform."

1995 -- Grundy County Fair Rodeo in Mazon, Illinois (IPRA): ONE STEER'S TAIL IS PURPOSELY BROKEN (VIDEO DOCUMENTED) IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE HIM RUN. One steer used with an open wound. August 1995 Santa Barbara Fiesta Rodeo in Santa Barbara, California (PRCA) A horse is gored after being improperly housed with a bull in a holding pen. An individual not associated with law enforcement fired three gun shots at the dying animal -- missing each time -- in front of a large crowd that included children. The local sheriff, a rodeo proponent, IGNORED THIS VIOLATION, WHICH IS A FELONY, CITY AUTHORITIES ATTEMPTED TO SWEEP THE INCIDENT UNDER THE RUG.

1997 -- Kendall County Fair Rodeo, Yorkville, Illinois (IPRA): Many animals SHOCKED WITH 5,000-VOLT PRODS to force them to "perform."

1997 -- San Dimas Rodeo, San Dimas, California (PRCA): Many animals SHOCKED WITH 5,000-VOLT PRODS to force them to "perform."

August 1997 -- Kern County Fair Rodeo in Bakersfield, California (PRCA): A bucking horse goes down, rolls, comes up with an apparently broken left front leg and shoulder. The horse is forced into a stall, where he goes down again. The rodeo never gave any more information on the horse's condition.

August 1997 -- Boone County Fair Rodeo near Rockford, Illinois (IPRA): A bucking horse suffers an injury to rear leg. No information was given on horse's condition afterward. One rodeo clown video is documented kicking a calf in the head and throwing sand in a bull's eyes. Many animals SHOCKED WITH 5,000-VOLT PRODS to force them to "perform."

August 1997 -- California State Fair (PRCA stock contractor): A performing dog is injured in a fall. No report is given on the dog's condition. Many animals SHOCKED WITH 5,000-VOLT PRODS to force them to "perform." The cruelty was exposed via Sacramento-area media. THE PRCA REFUSED TO TAKE ACTION.

August 1997 -- Big Bear, California Rodeo (PRCA): Many animals had their tails twisted and raked over bars. An ELECTRIC SHOCK DEVICE was used to force animals to "perform." The organization Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) gathered undercover video footage for the television program "Hard Copy." When the stock contractor was interviewed and asked about the TAIL TWISTING and raking, and the use of ELECTRIC SHOCK, he denied it. Hard Copy used a split screen to simultaneously show the cruelty and the denial at the same time to a national audience. When shown video footage of the shocking, the stock contractor initially denied it, then stated he did not know who the man was. The man was the stock contractor's son. THE PRCA REFUSED TO TAKE ACTION.

1997 -- Isleton, California Rodeo (IPRA): Two horses used with open flank strap wounds, one bull suffered open slices on sides, apparently from spurs. One bull checked for back injuries. A rodeo worker disclosed two of the bull's siblings had already died of broken backs while bucking. Many animals SHOCKED WITH 5,000-VOLT PRODS to force them to "perform."

September 1997 -- Flat Rock Rodeo in Flat Rock, Michigan (PRCA): Many animals SHOCKED WITH 5,000-VOLT PRODS to force them to "perform." The cruelty was exposed to Detroit, Michigan and Toledo, Ohio area media. The rodeo never returned.

October 1997 -- International Pro Rodeo Association (IPRA): Regional Finals, Gordyville, Illinois A steer whose head became stuck outside a fence was repeatedly kicked in the face and head to force him back inside. A 5,000-VOLT ELECTIC SHOCK DEVICE was used to force animals to "perform." The rodeo was attended by IPRA President Jack Wiseman. When contacted, the IPRA stated it had no problem that practice.

January 1998 -- Philadelphia Rodeo (IPRA): Many animals shocked SHOCKED WITH 5,000-VOLT PRODS to force them to "perform."

1998 -- World's Toughest Rodeo in Peoria, Illinois (PRCA): Many animals SHOCKED WITH 5,000-VOLT PRODS to force them to "perform."

1998 -- World's Toughest Rodeo in Rockford, Illinois (PRCA): Many animals SHOCKED WITH 5,000-VOLT PRODS to force them to "perform."

1998 -- World's Toughest Rodeo in St. Paul, Minnesota (PRCA): Many animals SHOCKED WITH 5,000-VOLT PRODS to force them to "perform."

March 1998 -- Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in Houston, Texas (PRCA): One steer died of a broken neck, and two calves suffered broken legs.

March 1998 -- World's Toughest Rodeo, Rosemont, Illinois (PRCA): Horse suffers injured leg. No information forthcoming regarding the horse's condition by rodeo officials. Many animals SHOCKED WITH 5,000-VOLT PRODS to force them to "perform."

May 1998 -- Montgomery Rodeo in Skillman, NJ (APRA): ELECTRIC PRODS used on steers and bulls confined in chutes to force them to "perform." A steer suffered a deep gash on his back. Another steer suffered a split horn and bloody cheek. Several sheep suffered leg injuries after children's sheep riding. One steer was trampled by a horse during team roping.

June 1998 -- Henry County Fair in Cambridge, Illinois (IPRA): One horse used with open, raw, bloody flank strap wound.

July 1998 -- Folsom Rodeo in Folsom, California (PRCA): One bull and one calf suffer leg injuries. Rodeo promoters admitted to the injuries, but would only say the victims received "appropriate treatment."

July 1998 -- Wauconda Rodeo, Wauconda, Illinois (IPRA): Multiple children hurt during sheep riding, multiple horses with open, bloody flank strap wounds, one calf, one horse, one steer injured. No further information given on injured animals or children. On the contrary, the rodeo people claim that the animals are fine. SHARK investigators waited to release video footage and still pictures of rodeo injuries until stock contractor Thyrl Latting and two IPRA judges claim that there were no animal injuries. In response to SHARK documentation, Latting claims that flank strap wounds are not wounds, but burns. We didn't bother to tell Mr. Latting that a burn is a wound. Investigators also document inches of animal waste on the floor of Latting's livestock trailer. Latting claimed he was unaware of the trailer's condition. The rodeo was attended by IPRA President Jack Wiseman. As Wiseman's camper/pickup pulled out of the rodeo grounds, Wiseman's passenger displayed rodeo's concept of family values by giving an obscene hand gesture to people, including children, who were protesting cruelty to animals. Requests for an apology from Wiseman and the IPRA went unanswered.

August 1998 -- Kendall County Fair Rodeo, Yorkville, Illinois (IPRA): Many animals SHOCKED WITH 5,000-VOLT PRODS to force them to "perform."

August 1998 -- Minnesota State Fair Rodeo (PRCA): Many animals SHOCKED WITH 5,000-VOLT PRODS to force them to "perform."

September 1998 -- Gurnee FOP Rodeo, Lake County, Illinois (PRCA): Many animals SHOCKED WITH 5,000-VOLT PRODS to force them to "perform."

January 1999 -- National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO (PRCA): A bucking horse crashed into a wall headfirst and died from a broken neck. In a second incident during the same rodeo, a bucking horse had his back broken and was killed.

May 1999 -- Montgomery Rodeo in Skillman, NJ (APRA): ELECTRIC PRODS used to force the animals to "perform."

July 1999 -- Wauconda Rodeo in Wauconda Illinois (IPRA): One child injured during sheep riding, multiple flank strap wounds on horses, multiple horses with injured legs. No further information given on outcome of either wounded animals or children.

July 1999 -- Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Alberta, Canada (PRCA): One horse killed.

July 1999 -- Kane County Fair Rodeo, St. Charles, Illinois (IPRA): One bull used with open cuts. Many animals SHOCKED WITH 5,000-VOLT PRODS to force them to "perform."

1999 -- Rapid City Rodeo in South Dakota (PRCA): Many animals SHOCKED WITH 5,000-VOLT PRODS to force them to "perform."

March 2000 -- World's Toughest Rodeo in Des Moines, Iowa (PRCA): Many animals SHOCKED WITH 5,000-VOLT PRODS to force them to "perform."

May 2000 -- Montgomery Rodeo in Skillman, NJ (APRA): ELECTRIC PRODS used to force the animals to "perform." One bull suffered bleeding ears and horns.

May 2000 -- Festival of Flags Rodeo in Killeen, Texas (PRCA): Two horses injured. One suffered facial lacerations, and one a leg injury. No veterinarian on site, which is a VIOLATION OF PRCA HUMANE RULES. In fact, the rodeo veterinarian stated that only the horse with the facial lacerations was reported to him. In addition, the vet said he had been required to sign a PRCA form listing the animals injured at the rodeo, and that only one horse, the one with the facial lacerations, had been listed. Also, PRCA rules require a conveyance to remove injured livestock. The rodeo vet stated that he never saw such a conveyance.

June 2000 -- Livermore Rodeo in Livermore, California (PRCA): A bucking horse broke her neck and died. Although two reporters from the Tri-Valley Herald witnessed the death, and although the paper's photographer took pictures, there was no mention of the accident. This illustrates how some media is willing to cover-up the truth about rodeo cruelty.

July 2000 -- National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA): Finals Rodeo, Springfield, Illinois Dozens of animals shocked, and many animals subjected to extreme TAIL TWISTING AND TAIL RAKING. SHOCKING ANIMALS TO MAKE THEM PERFORM violates NHSRA humane rules. Initial reports from the NHSRA indicate no animals injured. However, following a SHARK press conference wherein footage of cruelty violations and injury did occur, the NHSRA admitted six animals were injured. Repeated attempts by SHARK to establish dialogue with NHSRA management, including registered letters, proved unsuccessful.

September 2000 -- Bell County Fair Rodeo in Belton, Texas (PBR): Bulls SHOCKED while in chutes TO MAKE THEM BUCK FROM PAIN.

October 2000 -- Arkansas State Fair Rodeo in Little Rock, Arkansas (PRCA): Many animals SHOCKED IN CHUTES, WHICH VIOLATES PRCA HUMANE RULES.

October 2000 -- Liberty, Texas (PRCA): Many animals shocked in chutes, violating the PRCA's humane rules. There was also a "Calf Scramble," in which over a dozen children were set upon very small calves. For over 15 minutes, the children treated the calves so roughly that OVER HALF THE YOUNG ANIMALS COLLAPSED FROM STRESS AND EXHAUSTION. TREATMENT INCLUDED HEADLOCKS, TAIL PULLING AND TWISTING, DRAGGING, JUMPING ON THEM, etc. CALVES WHO WOULDN'T OR COULDN'T GET UP ON THEIR OWN WERE MANHANDLED TO THEIR FEET BY THEIR EARS AND TAILS BY A RODEO CLOWN.

October 2000 -- Texas Regional Steer Roping Finals in Del Rio, Texas (PRCA): The worst tail raking ever witnessed by SHARK investigators. There was NO VETERINARIAN ON SITE when a steer was injured, WHICH VIOLATES PRCA HUMANE RULES. The victim was rolled onto a sled, dragged to a gate, rolled off the sled and dragged out of sight without a prior checkup, possibly increasing the seriousness of the injury. Personal conversations with rodeo employees indicated the steer suffered a dislocated shoulder, while other employees said the steer was perfectly fine. This would lead to the question of why a "perfectly fine" animal was dragged out of the arena. Rodeo employees admitted there was no veterinarian present. The fate of the injured steer is unknown.

November 2000 -- Grand National Rodeo at the San Francisco Cow Palace (PRCA): A bull suffers a broken neck and dies. The rodeo announcer says the bull is just knocked out, and claims "this has happened hundreds of times." The announcer went on to make jokes about how the bull was "gonna have a big headache when he wakes up."

December 2000 -- National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada (PRCA): A calf was injured during calf roping. The degree of injury is unknown. Several witnesses declared the calf dead due to the trauma she suffered, and as she was motionless the entire time she was being removed. The PRCA claimed the calf recovered. However, the PRCA has not supplied SHARK with video footage that could be used to review the incident, in spite of the fact the PRCA has multiple cameras filming every contestant of every event. This fact, plus the PRCA's HISTORY OF COVERING UP ANIMAL INJURIES AND DEATHS, INDICATES to us THAT THE CALF DID INDEED DIE.

Note: This is only a partial list of PRCA violations of what you consider to be "humane standards" for rodeo animals. Animals (and humans) will be injured and maimed at these events.

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