Monthly Archives: March 2015

Luxton Pro Declares Final Thrill

Vancouver, Washington- Lack of sponsorship and increased costs have caused the Luxton Pro-Rodeo to cease their activities.

After 39 years of annual events, the Langford event; scrutinized by animal activists for the past three years, has formally declared that the rodeo will not go on. However, the May weekend activities will continue as a benefit to maintain and fund the 14-acre site, owned by the 117-year-old Metchosin Farmers Institute.

Sandy West and Charlie Price, volunteer rodeo managers, stated in an interview that the rodeo will not continue for the sole reason that increased costs would lead into increased entry fees. The decision was not based on the constant attack of animal rights activists in the Vancouver area.

“We do not wish to put this burden on the public,” the statement said. (Times Colonist)

The preservation of our Western heritage relies on the participants that wish to keep our grass roots present and alive with an animal welfare concern in mind.

Western Heritage Attacked by Virginia Bill Proposals

Virginia, USA- Western heritage is being attacked once more. Senate bill number 1081 was proposed January 14 of this year under referral to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources. The Bill proposal was intended to amend and reenact the code of Virginia, against intentional tripping of equines. However, the language of the proposed bill is very deceiving and would outlaw any kind of roping, lassoing, or interference of an animal causing it to fall.

The Mexican Federation of Charreria -USA chapter is one of the targets for this bill proposal. The federation independently withdrew and omitted any kind of horse tripping at their official nationally sanctioned events back in 1994. Currently there are no teams or individuals associated with the organization in the state of the Virginia.

The main concern for this bill is diction.

“…ropes, lassoes, or otherwise obstructs or interferes with one or more legs of an equine in order to intentionally cause it to trip or fall for the purpose of engagement in as rodeo, contest, exhibition, entertainment, or sport unless such actions are in the practice of accepted animal husbandry or for the purpose of allowing veterinary care;”  (S 1081)

It would generally outlaw any form or use of ropes with equines for any purpose other than veterinary, even if it does not harm the animal.

Along, with the proposed bill is the amendment proposition of “a violation of this subsection is a Class 1 misdemeanor, and a second or subsequent violation of this subsection is a Class 6 felony.” (S 1081 section G) It would not only prohibit certain activities within charreria to occur, but Professional rodeo as well. Considering there are sports that involve ropes, equines and bovines, as well as the act of the animal to possibly lie down to reenact traditional animal husbandry practices. Participation in any of the actions stated above would result in any individual involved to become a felon if they subsequently commit the same action after the initial misdemeanor has been issue.

As a result of being convicted of what is being proposed as a crime, “Any person convicted of violating this section any be prohibited by the court from possession or ownership of companion animals.” (S 1081 Section H)

Animal welfare is a major concern for professional and amateur rodeo events whether it is the PRCA or the FMCH-USA. Let’s help educate the public of what our heritage and recreational events are about and the effort we make to ensure the wellbeing of the animals being utilized at our events whether it is local, national, and/or international events.

Salina’s Rodeo Event Near Once Again

Salinas

Salinas, CA– The Salina’s Rodeo is near us once again.

After they could not get any attention, last year groups decided to make a claim. The California Salinas Rodeo is being sued by animal rights activist groups.

The lawsuit in process is due to allegations made by Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) , a group of animal rights activists. SHARK accuses the Salinas Rodeo and Tim Eastman, the head veterinarian, for failing to report 38 injuries of animals involved in past events.

California law requires that every injury an animal has during the rodeo must be reported to the Veterinary Medical Board. (California Penal Code Section 596.7(d)(2))

SHARK says, “the law has not been enforced, otherwise manipulated to make rodeos appear harmless.”

Eastman responded to this saying, “every animal exiting the arena is examined by a veterinarian and the SPCA.”

One of the allegations made was when a bull was hit by one of the participant’s horse resulting in it breaking its neck. Eastman says that to his belief the animal was not killed on impact as SHARK implied and the calf being brought up is on a ranch living the good life today.

Eastman also says they “consider [themselves] leaders in the community when it comes to care and welfare of rodeo livestock when [it] comes to Salinas.”

The Salinas Rodeo will commence on July 16 through July 19 thanks to the support of Western Heritage supporters.