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Major Rodeo
Expose
From: SHARKONLINE-ORG
Dear Friends,
Our efforts to expose the cruelty of the rodeo Mafia have taken a significant
leap forward. At long, long last, we have obtained the much promoted, almost
mythical "humane rules" of the world's largest rodeo association, the
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). We have been trying to get these
rules for over a decade!
Below you will find a sampling of the PRCA's rules, along with our
point-by-point comments. Please check out our new website at www.prcaFACTS.com
in a few days to see all 60 PRCA rules and SHARK commentary. It is a long
document, but it thoroughly exposes a pathetically shallow and outrageous
attempt on the part of the rodeo thugs to appear humane. There is so much
garbage here, I barely know where to start slamming, but I am particularly taken
with rule #3, which requires a veterinarian be at all rodeos. The penalty for
NOT having a vet present, however, is a fraction of the cost of paying a vet!
Since the vet rule is the most highly touted rule the rodeo Mafia spews, this is
particularly insidious.
I hope publicizing this rodeo scam will convince more activists that it is time
to apply a full court press to the rodeo Mafia and hasten its exit from society.
The only place it deserves to exist is in the history books, right alongside
pigeon shoots, cockfighting and other disgusting and cowardly animal abuses.
So why did we get the PRCA surrender these rules at this particular time? I
believe it was due to our campaign against Campbell Soup. You will remember that
Campbell's subsidiary Pace Foods is sponsoring rodeos, and that we have been
trying to convince Campbell's to put a stop to it. We have set up
www.CampbellCruelty.com (also
www.CampbellSoupKills.com) to
expose Campbell Soup, which claims to be an "ethical company."
Campbell's spin doctors have a rather novel approach to dealing with pressure
from their outraged customers. They tell them to call the PRCA! This is the
stupidest approach to dealing with the public I have ever seen, but it has
worked big time in our favor. You see, the PRCA just blew these people off, and
those people then contacted Campbell's even angrier than before. Campbell's
apparently then told the PRCA that they had to respond to people, and that's
when we got the PRCA's "humane rules."
Please call Campbell's again after you review the PRCA's "rules." Even a quick
scan will demonstrate what a scam this is. Demand that Campbell's also review
the rules, and that they then do the right thing – DUMP THE PRCA! Here is
contact info for Campbell's. As always, please let us know about any response
you receive. Such feedback is very helpful.
Kindest Regards,
Steve Hindi
SHARK
CONTACT:
Mr. Doug Conant, President and CEO
Campbell Soup Company
1 Campbell Place
Camden, NJ 08103-1701
(856) 342-4800
Douglas_R_Conant@campbellsoup.com
Mr. Harvey Golub
Chairman of the Board
Campbell Soup Company
Consumer Response and Information Center
1 Campbell Place
Camden, NJ 08103-1701
email: directors@campbellsoup.com
The following is a list of supposed "humane rules" received directly from the
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) in February 2005. For many years,
whenever accusations of animal abuse surface, the PRCA has claimed that it has
"over sixty humane rules" for the protection of rodeo animals. It took SHARK
twelve years to get a copy of these much-proclaimed, so-called "humane rules."
There are exactly sixty of them, and not one more.
Over a third of these rules have absolutely nothing to do with the humane
treatment of animals, and we point these out. The rules that are focused on
humane treatment are loaded with loopholes that render them worthless. Many of
the rules are redundant, and two of them (Rules 9 and 43) are duplicates.
Adhering to many of these “rules” is optional, which means they aren't rules at
all. “Guidelines" may even be too strong a word. Perhaps it would be more
accurate to categorize them as suggestions.
Finally, there is the problem of enforcement. In short, there is no evidence to
indicate there is any. SHARK investigators document PRCA stock contractors
committing the same infractions year after year after year. Furthermore, the
PRCA refuses to divulge the names of those charged with or found guilty of
humane violations, or the penalties imposed. Likewise, records of animal
injuries and deaths are kept top secret, as are veterinary reports, assuming
they exist at all.
The PRCA in particular, and rodeo associations in general, deliberately hide the
number of animals injured and killed, and there are many documented cases of
PRCA rodeo producers lying about the fates of their victims. Their cruelty to
animals, along with their refusal to open their records to public scrutiny,
ensure that rodeo will never be a legitimate sport, or even a popular one,
regardless of assertions promoted by rodeo propagandists that rodeo is the next
breakout sport. By the way, they’ve been making those same tired assertions for
decades.
Given the lack of substance, many loopholes and redundancies, and outright
obfuscation in this list of supposed humane rules, it is understandable why the
PRCA has withheld them for so long. Now that those rules have finally been pried
from the PRCA's grasp, we hope people will give them the careful scrutiny they
deserve, and see just how worthless they truly are.
PRCA RULES GOVERNING THE CARE AND TREATMENT OF LIVESTOCK
AT PRCA SANCTIONED RODEOS
Opening PRCA Text: The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) has been
enforcing rules to protect the livestock participating in their sanctioned
events since 1947. Through the years, the PRCA has created the most
comprehensive set of animal welfare rules in the sport of rodeo, creating a
model for other rodeo associations to follow.
SHARK Comment: Neither the violations, nor the names of
violators of the PRCA's humane rules are made public. Likewise, disciplinary
action (assuming there ever is any) imposed against violators is kept secret.
Given the recurrence of the same behavior year after year by some PRCA stock
contractors, there is no reason to believe that there are any sanctions
whatsoever for violations of PRCA "humane rules."
It is also very important to note that there is no rule stipulating humane
euthanasia for fatally injured animals. SHARK investigators have documented
numerous instances of mortally injured animals being left to die slowly and
without veterinary care even in the presence of supposed veterinarians.
Furthermore, in one of its most insidious public relations moves, the PRCA
claims to have a "Humane Coordinator" on staff. As of 2005, two different
individuals have held that position. Neither of them ensured, promoted, or was
held accountable by the PRCA for humane issues. On the contrary, they were the
propagandists who did everything possible to deny and/or defend animal abuse
when SHARK investigators and other humane organizations documented it at PRCA
rodeos.
1. Rule 9.0. General. These rules are intended to ensure the humane treatment of
rodeo animals and shall be in effect for all PRCA-sanctioned events. No animal
shall be treated inhumanely by any Member.
SHARK Comment: Redundant. Rules 1, 37, 38 & 40 all cover
the same basic issue. One well-worded rule could have sufficed. Beyond that, the
PRCA's claim that, "No animal shall be treated inhumanely by any Member" is
totally debunked by two of the PRCA's own events – steer roping and calf roping.
Both events are inherently cruel and life-threatening. In fact, the PRCA
recently renamed calf roping "tie down roping" in an Orwellian attempt to
deflect criticism from the fact that a three to four month old animal is
targeted in an event that is indefensible. In the face of valid criticism, the
PRCA changed only the name, nothing more.
2. Rule 9.1. Sore, lame, sick or injured animal. Animals for all events will be
inspected before the draw, and no sore, lame, sick or injured animal or animal
with impaired eyesight shall be permitted in the draw at any time. Should an
animal become sick or incapacitated between the time it is drawn and the time it
is scheduled to be used in competition, that animal shall not be used in
competition and another animals should be drawn for the contestant.
SHARK Comment: More redundancy. Over a half dozen of these
strikingly similar rules cover the treatment of sore, lame, sick or injured
animals. One or two well-worded rules could easily have sufficed. Furthermore,
this rule fails to specify who is to inspect the animals and make the calls. If
the rule is suggesting self-regulation, which seems to be the case, it’s
meaningless. It is very telling that the veterinarian who is supposed to be on
hand at all events is given no authority whatsoever in these "humane rules."
3. Rule 9.1.1. Veterinarian. A rodeo committee shall ensure that a veterinarian
is present for every performance and section of slack.
SHARK Comment: If the rodeo does not hire a vet, they can
be fined. That is, if anyone reports it. But here’s where it gets interesting:
The cost of the fine is $200, while the cost of hiring a vet would be in the
area of $500 to $1000 for a single performance. Violation of this rule is
considerably cheaper than adherence. The PRCA provides incentive rather than
deterrence for violating its own rule.
Additionally, the rule gives the vet no say over the use of an animal. That
authority has been given to the rodeo judge in rule #42, which states:
"If an animal that is drawn in a riding event becomes sick or crippled before it
is competed on, a judge must pass on the animal’s inability to be used before it
can be shipped or replaced in the draw."
If the PRCA were serious about humane treatment and requiring veterinarians at
its rodeos, the rodeo would only be held if a large animal veterinarian were
present. Violations would be punishable by permanent ejection from the PRCA of
the stock contractors and complicit judges. Rodeo vets should be publicly
announced, and should be available to answer inquiries regarding the condition
of all injured animals.
The vet should have absolute say over the use of an animal and the treatment of
an injured animal. Authority accorded to the vet at a PRCA rodeo is
conspicuously absent throughout the PRCA's much-touted 60 humane rules.
4. Rule 9.2. Rowels. No locked rowels, or rowels that will be locked on spurs
may be used on bareback or saddle bronc horses. Spurs must be dulled.
SHARK Comment: Repetition. Rules 4, 47, 48, 49, 51, and 52
are all very similar. One well-worded rule would suffice, but one rule instead
becomes six for public relations purposes.
5. Rule 9.2.1 Removal of an injured animal. A conveyance must be available,
supplied by the stock contractor, and shall be used, where practicable, to
remove animals from the arena in case of injury. The conveyance must be large
enough to remove a horse or bull. Injured calves shall be removed from the arena
in a pickup truck, calf stretcher or by conveyance. Animals removed from the
arena pursuant to this section shall be placed in a situation as isolated and
comfortable as possible to reduce stress.
SHARK Comment: "A conveyance" leaves far too much latitude
as to exactly how the injured animal is removed. SHARK investigators have
documented a piece of fencing being used to remove an injured animal – hardly an
appropriate conveyance for an animal so severely crippled it can’t exit the
arena under its own power. Also, the term "where practicable" again puts the
form and use of "the conveyance" at the discretion of just about anyone. What is
"practicable" and what isn’t is left entirely to the discretion of someone not
specified. This is far too vague to qualify as a rule.
6. Rule 9.2.1 Must be humane. Any injured livestock shall be humanely removed
from the arena before continuing the rodeo contest or performance.
SHARK Comment: This rule has nothing to do with animal
welfare. No contestant wants to risk possible injury or to deal with the last
contestant's injured victim left on the arena floor when he is trying to make
money.
7. Rule 9.3. No Sharp Objects in Cinch, Saddle, Girth or Flank Straps. No sharp
or cutting object in cinch, saddle girth, or flank straps shall be permitted.
Flank straps used for horses must either be sheepskin-lined or neoprene-lined
flank straps and shall be of the quick release type. Sheepskin-lined or
neoprene-lined flank straps shall be placed on the animals so the lined portion
is over both flanks of the animals. In the bull riding, a soft cotton rope at
least 5/8" in diameter is acceptable as a flank strap and does not require the
sheepskin or neoprene lining.
SHARK Comment: This rule outlaws sharp objects in cinch,
saddle, and flank straps, but makes no mention of the sharp objects animals with
which animals are poked and jabbed prior to their release from the chute. We
have footage of cowboys sticking animals in the ribs with wires and sharpened
steel rods while they are trapped in the holding chutes and unable to escape the
torment.
8. Rule 9.4. Prods and Other Artificial Stimuli. Standard electric prods shall
be used only as specified in the Official Rodeo Rules and in the Bylaws. If a
prod is used, the animal shall only be touched on the hip or shoulder area. No
other artificial stimuli shall be used (with the exception of rodeo equipment
and gear commonly used and accepted in connection with the respective events at
PRCA-sanctioned rodeos.)
SHARK Comment: We have documented numerous instances of
cowboys shocking animals on other areas of their bodies, including their faces
and their very sensitive necks while PRCA judges watch. There is no indication
that the prod prohibition is ever enforced.
9. Rule 10.1.5 Prods. In the riding events, use of prods and similar devices is
prohibited. The only exception is a known chute-stalling animal, only with the
contestants and contractors approval, and shall be administered only by a
qualified member.
SHARK Comment: Redundant. This rule is very similar to
Rule 8 and identical to rule 43 (10.1.5 in the PRCA rulebook). The chute-staller
exception is nothing more than an all purpose loophole. Also, what about these
“known chute-stallers”? The PRCA’s mantra is that these animals were born to
buck. So why don’t these chute-stallers want to buck? More importantly, why are
they brought to rodeos in the first place if they are "known chute-stallers?"
Finally, as commented on with regard to the previous rule, there is no
indication that the prod prohibition is ever enforced.
10. Rule 3.2.2 No Animal May be in the Draw Twice on the Same Day. In all riding
events, stock can not be placed in the draw twice in the same day, with the
exception of rerides, unless approved by the event representative and the
Director of Rodeo Administration.
SHARK Comment: This rule disallows the multiple use of
riding stock – unless of course it is decided that the animal(s) will be used
again, meaning it isn't a rule at all. Even more disturbing is the complete
absence of a prohibition on the reuse of calves and steers, even though they are
the animals who are most brutally treated and most often injured and killed. It
is no coincidence that they are also the cheapest animals to replace.
14. Rule 8.5 Running of Timed Event Stock. All timed event stock shall be run
through event chutes and through the arena prior to the start of contest where
conditions permit.
SHARK Comment: This rule has nothing to do with animal
welfare. As with the previous rule, it has more to do with giving a contestant
an animal that behaves in a predictably.
15. Rule 8.8. Unsatisfactory Animals. An Event Representative may declare
particular animal unsatisfactory. Upon notification, either written or verbal,
the stock contractor or Rodeo Committee shall eliminate such animal(s) from
competition draw.
SHARK Comment: This rule has nothing to do with animal
welfare. An animal might be declared unsatisfactory because its horns have not
been trimmed as much as called for in the rules, or because a bull or horse has
demonstrated a talent for injuring contestants. While rodeos claim their animals
are mean and dangerous, animals that actually fit that description are quickly
culled from the lineup.
19. Rule 8.9.3. Steer Roping Cattle. Plaster and rebar must be placed around the
horns of steer roping cattle prior to contesting, and all such steers should
have horn wraps that extend 4 inches down the jaw from the base of the horns.
The horns on steer wrestling cattle must be blunted to the size of a quarter.
SHARK Comment: Steer roping is the most abusive and
dangerous event in PRCA rodeos. The "protection" given these animals exists for
public relations purposes only. One look at SHARK's extensive video
documentation of steer roping clearly demonstrates the undeniable brutality of
this event. It is as inherently cruel and dangerous as it is indefensible.
20. Rule 8.8.4. Team Roping Cattle. All team roping cattle shall be protected by
horn wraps. The horns on all team roping cattle must be blunted to the size of a
dime.
SHARK Comment: Horn wraps are wholly inadequate for the
protection of animals being roped by a two-person team that first ropes, and
then pulls their victim's front and hindquarters in opposite directions.
Furthermore, blunting the horns of these animals has nothing to do with their
humane treatment.
33. Rule 9.6. Neckrope Must be Used in Tie-Down Roping. In tie-down roping, a
neckrope must be used. Calves may not be intentionally flipped backward.
Contestant must adjust rope and reins in such a manner that will prevent horse
from dragging calf. Rope to be removed from calf’s body as soon possible after
“tie” is approved. Roping calves shall be strong and healthy.
SHARK Comment: Calves are flipped backward and dragged all
of the time. We’ve got plenty of video documentation to prove it. Unfortunately,
the PRCA will not meet with us to jointly review the footage.
34. Rule 9.7. No Stimulants or Hypnotics. No stimulants or hypnotics may be
given to any animal.
SHARK Comment: This rule has nothing to do with animal
welfare. This is basic common sense having more to do with safety to the
contestants.
35. Rule 9.8. Animals Excessively Excited in Chute. Any animal that becomes
excessively excited and lays down in the chute repeatedly, or tries repeatedly
to jump out of the chute, or in any way appears to be in danger or injuring
himself, may be released immediately.
SHARK Comment: SHARK investigators regularly videotape
animals that behave as described in this rule. It is very rare that they are
released, and then only after excessive cruelty has been inflicted, including
but not limited to beating, the use of electric shock, thumbs in the eyes and
ears, ear twisting and pulling, tail twisting, and raking tails back and forth
over steel fences. As with all rodeo cruelty violations, the abuse occurs within
the clear view of judges.
37. Rule 9.10. Abuse of Animal. If a member abuses an animal by any unnecessary
non-competitive or competitive action, he may be disqualified for the remainder
of the rodeo and fined $200 for the first offense, with that fine progressively
doubling with each offense thereafter.
SHARK Comment: Repetitive. Rules 1, 37, 38 & 40 all cover
the same basic issue. One well-worded rule could have sufficed. Beyond that,
SHARK has ample video documentation of animals being beaten, slapped and punched
in the face, hit with a beer bottle, repeatedly and deliberately slammed into
the chute gates, and tails twisted, raked, and bent to breaking, among other
abuses. PRCA judges are present and have no problem with it.
38. Rule 9.11. Mistreatment of Animal. Any member guilty of mistreatment of
livestock anywhere on the rodeo grounds shall be fined $250 for the first
offense, with that fine progressively doubling with any offense thereafter.
SHARK Comment: This is essentially a repeat of rules 1,
37, 38 & 40 all cover the same basic issue. One well-worded rule could have
sufficed. Unfortunately, redundancy in no way insures enforcement, as we detail
in our response to rule #37.
RIDING EVENT RULES
40. Rule 9.13. Apparent injury during competition. Should a riding event animal
show evidence of injury inflicted by a contestant during competition, that
contestant will be fined $250 for the first offense and $500 for the second
offense. For the third and subsequently reported offense, contestant will be
declared ineligible to compete for 30 days following the infraction.
SHARK Comment: More repetition. Rules 1, 37, 38 & 40 all
cover the same basic issue. One well-worded rule could have sufficed.
Furthermore, SHARK investigators have investigated rodeos since 1993. At no time
have we ever heard of a contestant being called for violating this rule. This is
not because there has never been a violation, but simply because there is no
enforcement.
41. Rule 9.13.1. Delay Further Use of Animal Injured. Should a riding event
animal be apparently injured by a contestant during competition, thus resulting
in the contestant being reported for such a violation, that animal cannot be
used until such time the injury has completely healed.
SHARK Comment: Extreme redundancy. Over a half dozen of
these rules have to do with the treatment of sore, lame, sick or injured
animals.
43. Rule 10.1.5 Use of Prods Prohibited, Except for Chute Stalling. In the
riding events, use of prods or similar devices is prohibited. The only exception
shall be in the saddle bronc riding and the bareback riding, and in the case of
a known chute stalling animal, and only if agreed upon by the contestant, the
stock contractor and the judge before the contestant’s competition begins. In
this instance, the prod may not exceed 12 inches in length.
SHARK Comment: Another repeat. Rule 8 is similar, and rule
9 is the same (10.1.5 in the PRCA rulebook).
47. Disqualification. A rider shall be disqualified is riding with rowels too
sharp or locked.
SHARK Comment: This is an echo of rules 4, 47, 48, 49, 51,
and 52. One well-worded rule would suffice, but one rule instead becomes six for
public relations purposes.
48. Rule 10.4.6.1. Spur rowels. Spur rowels must have five or more points.
SHARK Comment: The rowel rule ad nauseam. Rules 4, 47, 48,
49, 51, and 52 are very similar. One well-worded rule would suffice, but one
rule instead becomes six for public relations purposes.
49. Rule 10.5.5. Saddle bronc Rider Disqualification. A saddle bronc rider shall
be disqualified for riding with locked rowels, or rowels that will lock on
spurs, and/or rowels not dulled.
SHARK Comment: Extreme redundancy. Rules 4, 47, 48, 49,
51, and 52 are similar. One well-worded rule would suffice, but one rule instead
becomes six for public relations purposes and to bring the PRCA closer to the
sixty rules it needed to manufacture.
51. Rule 10.6.4. No Sharp Spurs. Rider shall not use sharp spurs.
SHARK Comment: Yet more redundancy. Rules 4, 47, 48, 49,
51, and 52 are similar. One well-worded rule would suffice, but one rule instead
becomes six for public relations purposes.
52. Disqualification of a Bull Rider. A bull rider shall be disqualified for
using sharp spurs.
SHARK Comment: Even more redundancy. Rules 4, 47, 48, 49,
51, and 52 are similar. One well-worded rule would suffice, but one rule instead
becomes six for public relations purposes and to bring them closer to the magic
number: 60.
TIMED EVENT RULES
54. Rule 11.3.8. Drawn Animal Becomes Sick or Crippled. If an animal that is
drawn in a pen in a timed event becomes sick or crippled before it is competed
on, a judge must pass on the animal’s inability to be used before it can be
shipped or replaced in the draw.
SHARK Comment: Even more redundancy still. Over a half
dozen of these rules have to do with the treatment of sore, lame, sick or
injured animals. Beyond that, it is outrageous that a rodeo judge (the same
judges who stand by as infractions are regularly committed) has the authority to
pull an animal from competition. That should be the job of the rodeo vet.
Unfortunately, the PRCA's "humane rules" give no authority to the rodeo vet,
assuming that one is even present.
57. Rule 11.6.4 No Dragging of Calf. A neck rope must be used on the horse, and
contestant must prevent horse from dragging calf.
SHARK Comment: Both redundant and ineffective. See rule
#33. .
58. Rule 11.6.5. No Jerk Down. Rodeo Committees have the option to request a
special ground rule for “no jerk down” in the tie down roping.
SHARK Comment: This is not a rule, it's an option. First,
if the PRCA were really concerned about humanity, there would be no calf roping
at all. Beyond that, to make the prohibition of a life-threatening jerk down a
mere option completely nullifies any claim of concern for the safety of animals.
Please consider donating to SHARK today and help us in our efforts to end
rodeos, hunting, bullfighting and other forms of violence against our animal
friends!
SHARK
PO Box 28
Geneva, IL 60134
SharkIntl@aol.com
www.sharkonline.org
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