Eric Mills, coordinator, Action for Animals.
by Eric Mills, founder, Action for Animals
Surely “single steer roping” (aka “steer tripping” and, more aptly, “steer busting”) is the most egregious event in all of rodeo, worse even than calf roping (babies!) or the Mexican charreada’s “horse tripping” and “steer tailing” events. Anyone in doubt need only view the many YouTube videos. Contusions, broken horns, broken bones and death are routine.
Though steer tripping is one of the PRCA’s sanctioned events, it is NEVER part of the annual National Finals Rodeo (NFR) held in Las Vegas, and for good reason: the public wouldn’t stand for it.
Even PRCA Hall of Famers oppose “steer busting”
Bob Thain (PRCA photo)
According to the 2/26/14 issue of the Las Vegas Review-Journal (“Former rodeo organizer objects to proposed ‘steer tripping’ event in Las Vegas,” by reporter Alan Snel), Reno rodeo promoter Bob Thain (a PRCA Hall of Famer) wrote to the Las Vegas Boyd Gaming Corporation (owner of the Orleans Arena), protesting a proposed steer tripping event to be held there in conjunction with the 2014 NFR. Mr. Thain described the event as “awful.” He knows whereof he speaks.
He’s not alone. Stock contractor Cotton Rosser (another PRCA Hall of Famer, whose own questionable record Showing Animals Respect & Kindness has extensively exposed) states in the article, “The rodeo committees don’t want the event. They feel sorry for the animals.” As well they should. I also know of a college rodeo coach who referred to steer tripping as a “chickenshit” event….which it decidedly is. The coach was forced into early retirement for his honesty.
Reportedly, steer tripping is currently featured at rodeos in only 10 states: Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kansas, New Mexico and Texas.
Injured calf at 2015 Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo.
(From SHARK video)
I would urge activists in those states to contact their representatives, urging them to introduce bills to outlaw this blatant cruelty. Now’s the time. Most legislatures reconvene in January.
––Eric Mills, coordinator
ACTION FOR ANIMALS
Oakland, California
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Just plain sad that, in this day and age, we still have members of what should be a more civilized and compassionate society who enjoy being entertained by the suffering of other beings. The fact that children are brought to witness these events makes it even sadder.
Mr. Mills is correct that the National Finals doesn’t include steer roping…but not for the reason he claims. The Thomas & Mack Arena in Las Vegas is the size of a hockey rink, and would not accommodate single steer roping. The competition requires a much larger arena…
However, I do agree with Eric’s main argument. Single steer roping is brutal, and injures a great many steers. There really is no reason for it, other than tradition. The PRCA should lead by example, and end this event. It has very few participants, to begin with, and little audience appeal.
Gavin Ehringer, former rodeo columnist and writer
Thanks for your comment, Mr. Ehringer. I’ve heard that arena size argument over the years, and I ain’t convinced. It seems much more likely that the NFR folks are fully aware that the general public would not stand for this event.
I’ve heard, too, that the Nevada state veterinarian would not allow single steer roping in the state. Any truth to that?
I’m hopeful that in-the-know people like yourself, Mr. Ehringer, will help lead the fight to ban this blatant cruelty. Not only would these much-abused animals benefit, so would all of rodeo.
Lastly, are you aware of states other than the 10 named which allow this event? And do you know how I might get a copy of that letter from the PRCA’s Bob Thain?
Kind regards,
Eric Mills
ACTION FOR ANIMALS – Oakland
email – afa@mcn.org
Macho displays of brute domination through the torment and torture of helpless animals with electric prods, flanks (bucking straps) irritant ointments, punching and kicking, strangulation with ropes, etc. can only be considered a “sport” among violent, ignorant, mean-spirited people.