Letter to the Editor: Authors needed for Animal Welfare Legislation

Most state legislators decide in Oct/Nov upon which bills to carry in the coming session. Here are four in need of an author: 1. Amend state rodeo law, Penal Code 596.7, so as to require ON-SITE veterinarians at all rodeos and charreadas—the “on call” option isn’t working, and animals are suffering needlessly. Racetracks, horse shows, endurance rides and the PRCA all require on-site vets—so should all rodeos; 2. Ban tie-down calf roping, allowing “breakaway” roping only. Some vets claim the calves are injured EVERY time they are roped/thrown/tied—mere babies, and terrified; 3. Ban the charreada’s brutal “steer tailing” event (already outlawed in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties and Nebraska). The steers’ tails are routinely stripped to the bone (“degloved”), even torn off; 4. Ban the rodeo’s non-sanctioned events, as Alameda County has done: “wild cow milking,” the children’s “mutton busting” event, and all animal “scrambles”—cruel and dangerous for all. Write all legislators c/o The State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814. Email for all: se**************@se****.gov; as*********************@as******.gov.

Eric Mills, coordinator, ACTION FOR ANIMALS

Oakland