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New York City has a critical opportunity to protect animals from some of the worst forms of cruelty in rodeos by passing the Rodeo Animal Protection Bill. This bill would ban calf roping, a practice that inflicts terror and pain on defenseless calves, and prohibit the tools used in rodeos that provoke terrified animals to buck or charge.

In collaboration with NYCLASS, Christian Animal Rights Association, and the Animal Cruelty Exposure Fund, we know the evidence is undeniable. Calves suffer fear and injury at every stage of roping, and bulls and horses only buck because they are forced to by flank straps and electric prods. Urge New York City Council members to pass this bill and end some of the most brutal forms of this shameful “entertainment.”

The harm caused by calf roping is undeniable to any objective observer, though it is often obscured by those conditioned to view such cruelty as sport. Scientific research confirms that calves display fear and distress at every stage of roping. Likewise, a separate study showed that the electric prod, often called a 'hot shot', also “inflicts pain and fear, sometimes draws blood, and always damages the skin.” These are not just traditions; they are instruments of coercion that dominate and torment animals into submission.

Veterinarians and even former rodeo riders have spoken out against this torture of animals, saying that rodeos are inherently abusive. Peggy W. Larson DVM, a former bronc rider turned veterinarian, described rodeos as “a cruel and archaic form of spectacle that should be outlawed.”

Rodeos are not only violent to animals, but they also endanger the public. Bulls have escaped arenas in multiple states, injuring spectators. Recent events have caused not only horrific abuse of animals but also severe injuries and even deaths to humans. Just as New York City banned wild animal circuses in 2017 to protect both people and other animals, it must now act to end similar cruelties in rodeos; no rodeo is acceptable in a civilized society.

Other cities have already acted: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, banned electric prods, flank straps, and spurs in 1992, and San Francisco, California, restricted cattle prods and certain flank straps. Pasadena, California; Fort Wayne, Indiana; and St. Petersburg, Florida, have banned rodeos entirely.

New York City Council Member Robert F. Holden, who introduced Intro 1255, the Rodeo Animal Protection Bill, has a strong record of advocating for animals. By urging his fellow council members to pass this bill, New York City can send a clear and moral message.

If lawmakers admit that rodeo practices cause extreme animal suffering, then the public, consumers, and politicians must also confront the deeper cause of this cruelty—our exploitation and killing of animals. It is indefensible and must end.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: End Cruel Rodeo Practices in NYC: Support the Rodeo Animal Protection Bill

As your constituent, I am urging you to support Intro 1255, the Rodeo Animal Protection Bill. This legislation would ban calf roping, electric prods, and flank straps—practices that cause extreme fear, stress, and pain to animals, sometimes even drawing blood. These tools are used to provoke bulls and horses into bucking and charging, and the harm caused to them and baby cows is undeniable to any objective observer.

Veterinarians and even former rodeo riders have spoken out against this cruelty. Peggy W. Larson DVM, a former bronc rider turned veterinarian, described rodeos as “a cruel and archaic form of spectacle that should be outlawed.” Scientific studies confirm that calf roping produces fear and distress at every stage, while electric prods and hot shots cause pain, skin damage, and sometimes bleeding.

Other cities, including Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Pasadena, Fort Wayne, and St. Petersburg, have already taken action to prohibit these harmful practices.

By passing this bill, New York City can send a clear, ethical message that the cruelty of rodeos is unacceptable. I urge you to support Intro 1255 and protect animals from abuse in rodeos, just as the city has done previously by banning wild animal circuses.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.