The anxiety or fear they experience and any physical suffering they endure are not offset by any benefits to them, and are logically far greater than the harm to which the human spectators would be subjected if rodeos were banned.
When people derive enjoyment at events such as rodeos, they do this by debasing their own character, seeking thrills through violent acts against unwilling participants.
Of great importance is the implicit message sent to children and others, that it is acceptable to use animals for any human purpose, regardless how trivial, and even when such use is degrading to the dignity or safety of the animals involved.
Our society desperately needs to foster a greater respect for the other creatures with whom we share this planet. Rodeos are antithetical to that aspiration.
NEDIM C BUYUKMIHCI VMD
Emeritus Professor of Veterinary Medicine
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of California-Davis