SHORT TAKES : Pop Star Vetoes Rodeo Violence
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CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Pop star Belinda Carlisle has withdrawn from appearing at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, saying livestock at such events are mistreated.
“Watching people roughly rope terrified calves is not my idea of entertainment,” Carlisle said in a statement Tuesday.
Frontier Days officials denied animals are mistreated. Terry Bridwell, head of the event’s public relations committee, said the singer’s views “appear to be based on misinformation.”
Carlisle, a spokeswoman for People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, said she was offered $35,000 to appear July 23, but turned it down when she learned events would include a rodeo, chuck wagon racing and bullfighting. Her statement said rodeos involve the use of testicular bucking straps, electric prods, sharp sticks, caustic ointments and other devices.
None of those items can be used in rodeos such as Frontier Days sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Assn., Bridwell said.
Carlisle has been replaced by Michael Damian of “The Young and the Restless.”
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