Rodeo participant Bo Huddleston chose to join the rodeo circuit, but the animals he gets such a “rush” from have no choice (“Starr’s Mill senior qualifies for state rodeo in bull riding,” May 23).

Animals used in rodeo are subjected to abusive conditions in order to guarantee they’ll perform as expected by the paying public.

Without the use of spurs, tail-twisting, and bucking straps cinched around their abdomens and groins, these frightened and often docile animals typically wouldn’t even buck.

The rodeo experience for animals consists of electric prods, twisted necks, and being violently slammed into the ground. “Retirement” is a one-way trip to the slaughterhouse.

People who care about animals would prefer the rodeo to be put out to pasture.

Jennifer O’Connor
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
Norfolk, Va.

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