Cinched Flank Straps Blamed for Forcing Rodeo Animals to Buck

I would like to thank The Times for covering Animal Emancipation Inc.’s May 12 protest of the annual Pierce College Rodeo (“Pierce’s Rodeo Opens Amid Protest,” May 13) but certain false statements made by Pierce’s Ron Wechsler must be corrected.

Animal Emancipation has documented evidence of animals at Professional Rodeo Cowboy Assn. rodeos having their backs broken, being repeatedly electroshocked, being jerked at the neck and upended with ropes, being choked and having their tails twisted.

I find it mind-boggling that Wechsler would deny that rodeo animals have flank straps cinched tightly around their abdomens/groins to force them to buck. Flank straps are as essential to rodeos as the animals themselves. Rodeo animals do not naturally buck in the manner evidenced at such events; rodeo animals cease bucking when the flank strap is removed.

SIMON OSWITCH

Santa Monica

Oswitch is president of Animal Emancipation.