Valley Saddles Up For Palm Springs WestFest

Our Palm Springs City Counsel has been besieged over a 6 month period by local citizens and National Organizations asking it to do its due diligence regarding the Rosser Rodeo. Despite a long documented history of Animal Abuse and the desire of many who don't feel this is right for a progressive city like Palm Springs, the Counsel has responded to no one, shirking its duties to bring up and evaluate its citizens concerns. One Naional Organization having heard of the Counsel's Political ties to the event and uneven concern for a large percentage of people opposed to the event sent damming information to each Counsel Member by Fax, E-mail, and Snail Mail. It received not one response from any counsel member. Let's start to think about who we are going to elect next time to replace those that will accept even blood money to bring ANYTHING to Palm Springs.

How unfortunate that this event would be spun as a tribute to a "cowboy," and as a fundraiser for needy charities, when it is an unenlightened example of animal cruelty! Does anyone believe that bucking bulls and broncos, after they've outlived their usefulness, live out their senior years in some pastoral setting? Many will receive a bullet in the head, or suffer cruel transports to slaughter in Mexico. Rodeo animals perform out of fear and often in relentless heat. Rodeos risk human and animal life. I hope the charities will decline to accept this blood money. A true symbol of The American West is the wild mustang and 35,000 of them are trapped on feedlots for lack of adopters. The recession has caused thousands of horses to starve to death at the hands of negligent owners and equine rescues are overflowing, or closing their gates. If anyone wants to honor the late mayor, I suggest they make a memorial contribution to an equine rescue, farm animal sanctuary, or to one of the named charities. Otherwise, I urge everyone to boycott this event, which will surely be seen as a stain on the reputation of Palm Springs, and especially not expose children to the wrong message a rodeo sends. Jim Willis World Animal Day Ambassador-USA

I think there are better ways to raise money than a RODEO!! People need to know what goes on behind the scenes of a rodeo. I wonder if anyone ponders why the bucking bull is bucking? I love going to Palm Springs on a regular basis. I'm going to think twice now. I'm not happy spending my money in a city that supports the Rodeo! Can't you supply a Rodeo with no animals? Cirque du Soleil offers a circus with no animals!!! Very disappointing Mayor Bogert. Kelly Erwin

If anyone does even a little background check on what actually happens in a rodeo to the animals, NO ONE would raise money from such heinous acts. It's really archaic entertainment. If an animals leg, back or neck is broken and they are still alive, they are shipped to slaughter, which means no pain killers, no euthanasia. For any info about rodeos contact Eric Mills a 25 year rodeo follower directly at afa@mcn.org. My feeling is that any business supporting the rodeo just did not know the rodeo facts as the story sounds nice on surface, but the reality is horrible.

A truly "humane" society would never abuse one group of sentient beings (animals) to benefit another (boys and girls clubs, the school district, etc.) Rodeo is nothing more than legalized cruelty, most of which is bogus from the get-go. Real cowboys never routinely rode bulls, or wrestled steers, or put flank straps on the animals (without which most would not buck). And they certainly didn't take part in "mutton bustin'" - those parents should be cited for child endangerment. Imagine the public outcry if the cowboys mistreated pet dogs they way they do the roping calves....and mere babies, yet! Rodeo is a macho anachronism which belongs in the dustbin of history. For most of the animals, rodeo is merely a detour en route to the slaughterhouse. The animals and the good people of Palm Springs deserve better. Sincerely, Eric Mills, coordinator ACTION FOR ANIMALS Oakland