Group Says Fiesta Rodeo ‘Abusive’

Animal rights advocates protested the staging of the Fiesta Rodeo here Sunday, claiming that the two days of bronco riding, steer wrestling and calf roping is harmful to the animals involved.

Local residents are “outraged at the idea of an abusive rodeo in our neighborhood,” said Gerard Livernois, a member of Orange County People for Animals and a resident of the unincorporated area.

Livernois said about two dozen people with signs denouncing the rodeo had distributed educational leaflets at Avenida de las Flores and Santa Margarita Parkway in a bid to persuade people not to enter the festival grounds both Sunday afternoon and at future rodeos. They were largely unsuccessful.

Livernois said the American Humane Assn. often gives its approval to certain rodeos that adhere to strict animal-care standards, but the Fiesta Rodeo is not one of them. He said some rodeos use electric prods and other devices that are cruel to the livestock.

Rodeo officials declined comment.

The Fiesta Rodeo, which began Friday and ended Sunday, is sponsored by the Santa Margarita Civic Assn. and the Santa Margarita Co. Besides competitive rodeo events sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Assn., the affair featured 50 arts and crafts booths and food.