PEORIA -- Here is an exchange of letters concerning animal abuse at the recent rodeo at the Peoria Civic Center. It appears the powers-that-be would entertain an ordinance to prevent shocking animals, but we'll see.
From Lauren Malmgren, directors of PAWS: Thanks for your e-mail and concern for the animals. I'm wondering if the best course might be to present an ordinance amendment prohibiting the use of electric prods at public events to the County Board their consideration. If there is support for that type of ordinance, it could prevent this issue at future events. Obviously, it doesn't address this weekend's rodeo, however, if a citizen witnesses the use of electrical prods and makes a complaint to the State's Attorney's office, I believe the complaint would be considered for possible charges. I know that Department of Agriculture inspectors were on site at previous rodeo events at the Civic Center and did not see violations of the Humane Care for Animals Act to pursue with the SAO. I do not know if state inspectors plan to be on site this year. I'd be happy to talk with you or other representatives of your organization about options to address your concerns. Please call me if you'd like to discuss this. Lauren Lauren Malmberg, MBA, CAWA Director Peoria County Animal Protection Services/PAWS 2600 NE Perry Avenue Peoria, IL 61603 309-672-2440 309-686-3705 (fax) _____
Dear Lauren, Prohibiting the use of electric prods at rodeos would be a very welcome relief. However, since the use of the prod is always used with the utmost of secrecy, who would be entrusted to enforce the ordinance? On January 17, 2008, in an interview with HOI- 19 News, Marc Burnett, Director of Marketing and Sales of the Civic Center condones the use of the prods by comparing them to underground electric containment fencing for dogs. He also stated that veterinarians were on hand to monitor the animals. It seems to me, since the veterinarians work for the rodeo, they could best be compared to the fox tending the chickens. If you think it would be valuable for some of us to meet with you to discuss the issue, we would welcome the opportunity, at your convenience. Thank you for your willingness to support compassion for animals in entertainment. Doris Muller _____
An earlier letter from Muller: Dear Lauren, After the Dodge Bulls and Broncs rodeo appeared at the Peoria Civic Center January 2007, I attempted to do a little research about animals used in entertainment and the policies specific to the Peoria Civic Center. In an e-mail exchange with staff members of the Civic Center, I wanted to know (1) if any rodeo events using animals were prohibited, (2) If any devices were prohibited from being used on the animals, (3) was the rodeo required to have a veterinarian on site, (4) was there a policy regulating injury or death of an animal, sustained during the event. Both Melissa Aga, Public Relations Coordinator and Marc Burnett, Director of Marketing and Sales of the Civic Center provided the same answer which, by-the-way, was obtained from the "rodeo promoter.": "Humane rules are in effect and strictly enforced. The rules were adopted by the PRCA. The PRCA has been in the fore front of animal welfare issues, they first adopted humane rules in 1947 and work closely with large animal vet associations. The animals are well cared for by people knowledgeable in the care and feeding of large animals. These animals are athletes and live longer than non rodeo animals of the same species." I was referred to "sgander10@yahoo.com " for more information. Steve Gander is the owner of the rodeo tour. In January 2008, the rodeo returned to the Civic Center, and ,at that time, it was exposed by an Illinois-based animal rights group for shocking the horses. Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) main focus is exposing rodeo cruelty: The rodeo did not return to Peoria in 2009 or 2010, but as you might be aware, they are back for a performance this weekend: After seeing many undercover videos produced by SHARK showing extreme animal cruelty and death, I have to conclude that the profit-driven rodeo industry cannot be trusted to uphold its own "humane rules." I am left wondering who truly watches out for the safety of the animals when the rodeo comes to Peoria? Doris Muller, member Peoria Area Voices For Animals
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