Eric Mills: Only a boycott will keep rodeo animals from being terrorized and abused
In his 2014 book, “The Meaning of Human Existence,” famed Harvard biologist E.O. Wilson writes that we humans are “innately dysfunctional.” Add “delusional” to the list.
Case in point: I attended the recent Rowell Ranch Rodeo in Castro Valley. The rodeo program contains this mind-boggling gem: “The rodeo livestock provided by Cotton Rosser’s Flying U live their lives doing what they love, performing and competing for rodeo fans all over the western United States. The level of care and respect these Animal Athletes recieve (sic) is unmatched. We love our rodeo livestock, almost as much as they love what they do. Be sure to remind them how much you love them, by cheering on these fantastically talented animals.”
Tell that lie to the terrified calves, steers, cows and sheep. For most, rodeo is merely a detour en route to the slaughterhouse. Let’s at least have the honesty to call rodeo what it is: institutionalized animal abuse. The same crimes are being repeated at rodeos throughout the state. It needs to stop. Boycott rodeo cruelty.
Eric Mills, Oakland
This story was originally published May 26, 2016 at 12:05 PM with the headline "Eric Mills: Only a boycott will keep rodeo animals from being terrorized and abused."