Think about rodeo from the animal's perspective

Indulge me if you will, a different point of view. Picture 57 bulls, stuffed in 2 semis and a 32 foot trailer, bouncing up the Al-Can highway from Alberta, Canada to Palmer, Alaska. I’ve traveled that highway several times and even with upholstered seats and a good suspension, that road can rattle your teeth.

Now imagine the bulls, trying to maintain a standing position as they are tossed about. They arrive in Palmer at the Alaska State Fairgrounds, awaiting the 40 plus bull riders that will test their skills, on Memorial Day weekend, attempting to stay on their backs, for mere seconds, to win gold and cash prizes. I won’t argue that this indeed does take skill, but WHY …. To test their manhood, to gain fame and fortune?

It is one thing to prove yourself in dare devil sports, with mechanized machines, or rock or ice climbing, sky diving, or whatever challenge you choose, but it is not our right to “prove ourselves” on the backs of bulls, nor any other creature. They are living, breathing animals, just as we are, and as such should not be exploited for our enjoyment.

It is well documented that bulls are often prodded, drugged and provoked in order to get the desired effect. However, let’s just assume that wouldn’t be the case at this event. So what!

Try for just a moment, to see this so called “sport” from the bull’s perspective. Any animal that is exploited for our sick pleasure, at the cost of their discomfort, should cause us to take a closer look at our so called “humanity”.

Opinions are like arm pits, and we all have them, but some smell worse than others. However, this ego stroking, testosterone driven Rodeo, smells worse than any cow barn I’ve ever been in. Think twice before you pay money to support this compassionless industry.

Toni Truesdell,

Palmer