Rodeos -- cruel and stupid but here's one in Peoria

PEORIA -- The Peoria Civic Center is hosting a rodeo on Jan 7-8, after a 2 year absence. 

Rodeos and cruel and stupid, because they rely on abusing horses, calves and bulls for amusement.  Will our local officials enforce the law on humane treatment?  Or ignore what happens?

For information on a protest, see below.

For Malmberg's response, see below.

Here's a letter from animal activist Doris Muller:

To: Lauren Malmberg, Director

Peoria County Animal Protection Services

Peoria, IL 61603

http://www.peoriacounty.org/pcaps

 

Dear Lauren,

 

After the Dodge Bulls and Broncs rodeo appeared at the Peoria Civic Center January 2007, I attempted to do a little research about animals used in entertainment and the policies specific to the Peoria Civic Center.

 

In an e-mail exchange with staff members of the Civic Center, I wanted to know  (1)  if any rodeo events using animals were prohibited, (2) If any devices were prohibited from being used on the animals, (3)  was the rodeo required to have a veterinarian on site, (4)  was there a policy regulating injury or death of an animal, sustained during the event.

 

Both Melissa Aga, Public Relations Coordinator and Marc Burnett, Director of Marketing and Sales of the Civic Center provided the same answer which, by-the-way, was obtained from the "rodeo promoter.": 

 

    "Humane rules are in effect and strictly enforced.  The rules were adopted by the PRCA.

    The PRCA has been in the fore front of animal welfare issues, they first adopted humane

    rules in 1947 and work closely with large animal vet associations.  The animals are well

    cared for by people knowledgeable in the care and feeding of large animals.  These

     animals are athletes and live longer than non rodeo animals of the same species."

  

I was referred to "sgander10@yahoo.com " for more information.  Steve Gander is the owner of the rodeo tour.

 

In January 2008, the rodeo returned to the Civic Center, and ,at that time, it was exposed by an Illinois-based animal rights group for shocking the horses.  Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) main focus is exposing rodeo cruelty:

January 15, 2008 - Group says rodeo animals were shocked

 

The rodeo did not return to Peoria in 2009 or 2010, but as you might be aware, they are back for a performance this weekend: 

World's Toughest Bulls And Broncs Tickets at Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, IL - Zvents

 

After seeing many undercover videos produced by SHARK showing extreme animal cruelty and death, I have to conclude that the profit-driven rodeo industry cannot be trusted to uphold its own "humane rules."

 

I am left wondering who truly watches out for the safety of the animals when the rodeo comes to Peoria?

 

I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Sincerely,

 

Doris Muller, member

Peoria Area Voices For Animals

2114 W. Dakota St.

West Peoria, IL 61604

309 637-5205

 

 

 

Peoria Area Voices for Animals
www.AnimalRightsPeoria.org
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A staggering 55% of dogs and 77% of cats entering shelters never find a home. 
It is estimated that over 8 million animals in shelters are killed each year; that is over 1,000 each hour, in America alone. 
Today, 63% of homes own pets, yet only 18% of owned dogs and 10% of owned cats were adopted from shelters.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." Martin Luther King

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Peoria Area Voices for Animals

Rodeo Protest - Saturday, Jan. 8th, 6:45-7:45 pm
Please join us and stand up for the animals abused and exploited by the "World's Toughest Bulls and Broncs" rodeo at the Peoria Civic Center this Saturday.   

PAVA will hold a protest in front of the Civic Center (across from the parking decks) Saturday, Jan. 8th, from 6:45-7:45 pm.  Signs will be provided but feel free to bring your own sign.  Please join us to remind the misinformed individuals attending the event that ANIMALS ARE NOT SPORTS EQUIPMENT! 

http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com/event/worlds-toughest-bulls-and-broncs-outlaws-rodeo-tour

To lean more about the abuse inherent in rodeos and to see the animal abuse from the last rodeo at the Civic Center, visit: http://www.sharkonline.org/?P=0000000757 and
http://www.sharkonline.org/

Hope to see you on Saturday!

Ms. Muller:

Thanks for your e-mail and concern for the animals.   I'm wondering if the best course might be to present an ordinance amendment prohibiting the use of electric prods at public events to the County Board their consideration.  If there is support for that type of ordinance, it could prevent this issue at future events.  Obviously, it doesn't address this weekend's rodeo, however, if a citizen witnesses the use of electrical prods and makes a complaint to the State's Attorney's office, I believe the complaint would be considered for possible charges. 

I know that Department of Agriculture inspectors were on site at previous rodeo events at the Civic Center and did not see violations of the Humane Care for Animals Act to pursue with the SAO.   I do not know if state inspectors plan to be on site this year. 

I'd be happy to talk with you or other representatives of your organization about options to address your concerns.  Please call me if you'd like to discuss this. 

Lauren

 

Lauren Malmberg, MBA, CAWA Director

Peoria County Animal Protection Services/PAWS

2600 NE Perry Avenue

Peoria, IL  61603

309-672-2440

309-686-3705 (fax)