Rodeos are archaic and cruel

Rodeos are spectacles of animal abuse and human domination. They are about profit and entertainment at the animals' expense. Electric prods, spurs and flank straps are used to make the bulls and horses 'perform.” Calf roping is particularly egregious, causing the calf to be clothes-lined while running in terror at full speed. Many rodeos even include 'mutton busting” and other events in which kids are taught to treat animals like objects. Shouldn't we treat animals with respect and compassion and teach our children to do the same?

To learn the truth about how damaging rodeo is to animals, please listen to Peggy Larson. In her youth she was a bronc rider and later she was a rodeo veterinarian. She eventually concluded there is no such thing as a humane rodeo and has fought against them for years.

It would not be hard get rid of rodeos in Cedar Rapids. The city council could just ask VenuWorks to stop scheduling them.

Lynn Gallagher

Solon