by Jill Harrigan of the Denver Vegetarian Examiner
Protesters gathered at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds this past weekend to demonstrate against a rodeo that was taking place. Although there is an ongoing investigation into whether or not animal abuse has occurred during these kinds of rodeos at the fairgrounds, the county still allowed this one to go on as planned.
Rodeos used to be thought of as an “All American Sport.” This idea is beginning to diminish as animal cruelty allegations keep rolling in. More and more people are beginning to believe that rodeos bring unnecessary harm to animals.
The animals used in rodeos are captive performers. They are in the heat for a long time, and are physically drained. Normally tame by nature, these animals are forced to act crazy, just to make the cowboys look brave. To enrage the animals, electric prods, spurs, and bucking straps are used. Calf roping is popular among rodeo cowboys. This often hurts the calf’s neck, and even breaks it sometimes.
Why would anyone want to pay to support animal cruelty? What’s so cool about seeing a man dominate a bull or cow? Why do people enjoy this? Whatever their reasons may be, there are many people who find entertainment at the rodeos. Luckily, there are also people out there who boycott them and speak out against them.
Watch this video for an example of the use of electric prods during a rodeo in the U.S. Check out this website for more information on the cruelty of rodeos. Want to protest against animal brutality in the Denver area? Check out this meet-up group!
“Wag’N” Donates pet masks
Carol Monaco, with Marketwise Insights, Inc., recently nominated Greater Brighton Fire to receive pet oxygen masks through a company called Wag’N. Brighton Fire was selected and Wag’N has donated pet O2 masks through a program called “O2 Fur Life” that provides the necessary equipment for pet rescue breathing. Greater Brighton Fire is one of only 14 fire departments in the State who have received pet O2 masks through this program. Five kits were donated through the program, which provides for one set of three masks for each of our five fire stations. Each kit contains three masks of different sizes for various size pets. The kits have been placed on the fire engines and crews have been trained in using the masks. Thank you to Carol and Wag’N for the generous donation.
