A person claiming to be Steve Hindi, president of SHARK (SHowing Animals Respect and Kindness) has decided to join us here on About Rodeo by leaving a comment on the post concerning Starbucks Caving In to the animal rights group. SHARK focuses on rodeo by using camera footage to 'prove' rodeo cruelty.
Supposed statement from Mr. Hindi:
"The truth," as someone put it, is partly to be found in our videotapes. More truth is that no one in the rodeo world can debate us publicly, because we have so much experience and evidence about what you all do. More truth is that you don't have the guts to even release your injury reports, and that you have to edit your own tv shows so viewers don't see "tie-down" victims being clotheslined. Gee — it used to be called calf roping. The truth is that you are afraid of being exposed for what you are.
While I have no way to tell if this is really Mr. Hindi, I thought that I would take time to answer the statements made in the comment and clear up some misconceptions about rodeo.
SH: "More truth is that you don't have the guts to even release your injury reports..."
About Rodeo: First of all let's be completely honest, even if the injury reports were released (surprise they are), and the numbers didn't agree with your agenda then you would cry foul, propaganda, lies, etc.
Here are some numbers from 2004; out of 60,971 exposures at 62 rodeos (198 performances, 73 sections of slack) there were 27 injuries. That’s an injury rate of .0004.
In 2003 the PRCA was awarded the Lavin Cup which is given by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) for contributions to the health and welfare of the horse.
Since we are on the subject of numbers, how much of the money you receive through donations actually goes to ANIMALS? You've got some pretty fancy and expensive looking toys there with your 'Tiger Trucks' and 'Birds of Prey.'
SH: "You have to edit your own tv shows so viewers don't see "tie-down" victims being clotheslined. Gee - it used to be called calf roping."
AR: I have to admit a chuckle when you talked about the edited rodeo TV programs. Are your own videos not edited? Some of the videos I saw dealt with steer roping and the use of cattle prods.
Yes, it used to be called calf roping, and I’ll admit that the name change was most likely a PR move, due to an effective misinformation campaign by anti-rodeo groups.
For those of you out there interested in facts, weight limits for calves in the PRCA are 220-280lbs. Steers need to be between 450-650lbs. While calves may seem cute and cuddly they do have some substantial weight behind them.
As for the cattle prod, here are some FACTS: PRCA rules state that a prod can only be used on a horse or bull that has stalled in the chute, and can only be used on a hip or shoulder. A cattle prod puts out typically 5,000-6,000 volts. Sounds like a lot? A police taser puts out 11,000-50,000 volts. On top of that, the hide of a horse is 3 times thicker than human skin. A bulls hide is seven times thicker. Don't believe me, a biased rodeo supporter? Look it up for yourself.
SH: "More truth is that no one in the rodeo world can debate us publicly, because we have so much experience and evidence about what you all do."
AR: The reason no one wants to debate you is because you are a typical self-appointed saviour with no experience or knowledge of the animals you want to 'help'. I suspect that your true agenda is publicity and nothing more. To engage you in debate only lends you a credibility that you do not have. You really have nothing to say or bring to the table and the inflamatory comments you make on your site prove it. Using terms like, Rodeo Mafia, Rodeo Thugs, is not wanting to engage in debate, you want to attack and bring in more money to your coffers. By the way how much of that money goes directly to animals?
The fact is that neither side is going to change minds anyway. I don't really see how you have any authority to affect the debate other than you're the loudest in the room. SHARK has no experience with animals. You even go so far as to claim that experts, who don't agree with you, are wrong.
From the SHARK website: "Does your veterinarian care about animals? Not if he or she supports the guidelines and policies of the American Veterinary Medical Association!"
AR: So the voice of trained people, who've been around and studied animals know LESS about the situation than you and your organization that has little, IF ANY, experience with animals? Color me skeptical. If it doesn't fit your agenda claim conspiracy I guess?
It really is plain and simple logic that an unhealthy animal will perform poorly, so it is in everyones best interest to keep the animals healthy and the AVMA has recommended guidelines that the PRCA has adopted.
Rodeo is essentially a working relationship between animal and man and in my opinion it's that relationship that you want to end and I doubt very much that you actually care about 'cruelty' otherwise you wouldn't need to stop the rodeo, only fix those things you deem cruel.
It's not even possible to have civilized debate with you and the PRCA shouldn't be expected to give you a platform or the attention you so desperately crave.
I'm not done. The Response Continues...
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