Letter to the Editor: Tuesday February 7, 2017

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Suffering is the greater harm

Mr Jackson is to be commended for speaking out against rodeos (Time's up for rodeo, January 31).

As a veterinarian knowledgeable about rodeos, I know that rodeos are unacceptable because of the cruelties and suffering the animals must endure in order to provide people with a misguided sense of entertainment.

The claim by rodeo personnel that the animals are treated well and that there are strict rules on this is contrary to my experience and that of others who do not have a vested interest in rodeos.

Even if the animals were treated 'well', bear in mind that the species used are prey animals by nature, and much of what is done to them in rodeos would elicit a deeply ingrained predator-avoidance response.

The anxiety or fear they experience and any physical suffering they endure are not offset by any benefits to them, and are logically far greater than the harm to which the human spectators would be subjected if rodeos were banned.

When people derive enjoyment at events such as rodeos, they do this by debasing their own character, seeking thrills through violent acts against unwilling participants.

Of great importance is the implicit message sent to children and others, that it is acceptable to use animals for any human purpose, regardless how trivial, and even when such use is degrading to the dignity or safety of the animals involved.

Our society desperately needs to foster a greater respect for the other creatures with whom we share this planet. Rodeos are antithetical to that aspiration.

NEDIM C BUYUKMIHCI VMD
Emeritus Professor of Veterinary Medicine
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of California-Davis