RSVP
Original Event Notes: Please note that the regularly scheduled Bay Area Vegetarians' KFC demonstration on 8/10 is cancelled, to allow us time to focus on this issue.
Please join local gay animal advocates in peacefully protesting the upcoming Bay Area gay rodeo! We'll be alongside the rodeo promoters at the SE corner of 18th & Castro (the BofA building) from 1:00-2:30 on Sat. 8/2 and Sat. 8/9.
Though queer and non-queer persons of all genders are needed, we could really use some female volunteers, as we have only men lined up so far, and quite a few of the rodeo participants are women. If we can take over that busy intersection, we'll really have an impact on the local gay community, and I believe the rodeo is already hurting from our activities the last two years. It may also help get the community thinking more about animals that are abused in other ways.
Signs and leaflets will be provided. We'll be using this leaflet graciously provided by Mercy for Animals
Please email me (Andrew) to RSVP, or with any questions.
I'll also soon be posting a contact list of the current rodeo sponsors, so that others may contact them to ask them to not support the rodeo, as soon as the information becomes available.
Please note that the regularly schedule Bay Area Vegetarians' KFC demonstration on 8/10 is cancelled, to allow us time to focus on this issue.
Below is some information about the gay rodeo:
* Rodeo animals are not aggressive or "wild" by nature. During the bucking and bull-riding events, the animals are provoked to buck violently by the use of "flank straps" and spurs. The straps are tightly cinched around their abdomens, causing the animals to buck vigorously to try to rid themselves of the extreme discomfort. They are also often frightened and annoyed by having a person on their back. The rodeo organizers even brag about the result of the pain and stress they cause the animals: "…the unpredictable bull is known to come looking for the rider when the ride is completed." http://www.bayarearodeo.com/Rodeo2007/BullRiding.html
* In other events, terrified animals – sometimes babies – desperately run for their lives while being chased.
* The violence and high-speed running can result in injuries to the animals.
* The transport, confinement, unfamiliar surroundings, and pressure to perform unnatural acts all cause stress and fear for the animals.
Most reasonable people would find such treatment of animals unacceptable, if the animals involved were dogs or cats. Other animals experience the same pain, suffering and emotions as our beloved pets, and should receive the same consideration and respect.
Though the Gay Rodeo is apparently less cruel than traditional rodeos, and has higher standards for its "animal welfare" rules, it is still cruel and unnecessary, and penalties for violations are insufficient. In traditional rodeos, rules are commonly flagrantly violated and not enforced – electric or wire prods and beatings are used to violently send the animals out of the chutes, caustic ointments or burrs in the flank straps are used to enhance bucking, and wounded animals often go without veterinary care. A recent example is the documented illegal abuses at the local rodeo at Rowell Ranch in Castro Valley http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_9628372. I'm not familiar with the techniques used behind the scenes in the gay rodeos, but the potential for further abuse is disturbing.
