We advocate on all animal protection and exploitation issues, including experimentation, factory farming, rodeos, breeders and traveling animal acts.
A number of people have contacted me about a few rodeos coming into NY. I wish to share the following information about stopping what Matthew Scully calls 'America's answer to bullfighting':
I have never set foot into North Salem or Community Board 3 in the South Bronx, both of which had rodeos and cancelled them after our intervention. Email is a great tool; but in North Salem, EACH AND EVERY SPONSOR, INCLUDING A REALTOR AND A DRY CLEANER, WAS CALLED ON THE PHONE AND ALSO SENT A COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION PACKET. The Town Supervisor was called and sent info as well. The exact same thing was done in the South Bronx (along with two demos). The press was also contacted re the South Bronx.
I cannot emphasize personal contact enough; it doesn't have to be every single sponsor - but do try to do personal outreach if possible, as an adjunct to email. DO A DEMO AND NOTIFY THE PRESS! And offer to sit down with local legislators, unreceptive though they may definitely seem - you may get a surprise. Bring video, implements, copies of other ordinances, etc.
Attend the rodeo with a camera - and if you see any illegal cruelty in these rodeos, make an appt with your local district attorney for the purposes of filing charges against the rodeo purveyors.