Animal rights activists protest at fair rodeo
About 15 animal rights activists protested Thursday night against a
longtime family-owned rodeo show appearing at the Minnesota State Fair.
Carrying signs and banners, members of Defending Farm Animals Inc.,
based in Minneapolis, stood outside of the fairground's Snelling Avenue
entrance. They say that a rodeo company in Cherokee, Iowa, abuses its
livestock during rodeo shows, including using hand-held prods to shock
and agitate cattle.
"We want to bring attention that they are hurting the
animals," said Julie Derby, director of the group. "I think
the public comes out to see the animals and the cowboys. To experience
the wild, wild West theme, not wild action."
John Barnes, whose family has provided rodeo stock for the fair for
the past 30 years, said that the animals aren't abused and that no prods
are being used.
"Rodeo is entertainment and the only way it can be successful is
if it is clean and pure. We can't dwell on negative comments," he
said. "These horses and bulls are a part of our family. We don't
hurt our family."
-- Terry Collins
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