Activist Working to Rein In Devices Used in Rodeo Events

Rodeos have been a part of San Juan Capistrano’s heritage since ranchers first settled here in the 1800s.

Once a contest for working hands who matched skills against one another, they have more recently become a way for residents to raise big money for charities.

So when an animal rights activist from nearby Dana Point asked the city to ban the tools of the rodeo trade--flank straps, spurs and electric prods--officials didn’t take kindly to the idea of bucking a tradition.

The city maintains that it has always held safe rodeos and that such devices are harmless.

“The community is very proud of its Western heritage and connection to its equestrian background,” said City Manager George Scarborough. “We do not prohibit commercial activities because they may or may not be popular.”

Nevertheless, in response to a request from Dana Point resident Jane Garrison, the City Council will consider an ordinance Tuesday that would regulate rodeos in San Juan Capistrano according to guidelines set by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Assn.

The organization’s standards include requiring a veterinarian and animal control officer be present at a rodeo at all times. It would ban devices such as razor-sharp spurs and caustic ointments, as well as the use of electric prods in bull-riding and violent “jerk downs” of calves during calf-roping.

But it would continue to allow the use of dulled spurs, as well as flank straps, a sheepskin-lined belt that’s strapped around a horse to force the animal to buck.

It would also allow battery-powered electric prods to herd animals down a chute into the arena. “You’ve got a 2-ton animal and you’re trying to keep it under control so it won’t hurt somebody--that’s when you use it,” said Jerry Harris, president of the San Juan Capistrano Rodeo Committee.

Still, Harris, who has put on many of San Juan Capistrano’s rodeos, said that it’s been four years since he’s seen an electric prod used here.

“As far as flank straps--it’s like tying a string around a cat’s tail or leg and then them trying to shake it off,” Harris added. “It’s annoying, but not harmful.”

But Garrison and other animal rights activists said the ordinance would not go far enough. They oppose the use of any device that forces an animal to perform.

“I’m not saying get rid of the rodeo,” said Garrison, 29. “All I’m asking for is for the humane treatment of these animals.”

“They are going to vote on an ordinance that has nothing to do with the safety and humane treatment of animals,” Garrison said. “This ordinance does nothing except mislead the public.”

Garrison said flank straps can hurt the animals’ genitals and draw blood.

“Real old ranchers and farmers wouldn’t treat their animals this way. No way,” she said. “Once they rope an animal, they don’t have to swing it off its legs and throw it on the ground.”

Mark McDorman of the Orange County Animal Control said his agency has recorded only one case in the past 13 years of an animal sustaining an injury during a rodeo. In that instance, the calf had a minor leg injury and after receiving veterinary care, fully recovered.

Despite the city’s stance, Garrison has vowed to continue her fight. She’s already started a letter-writing campaign to City Hall, and plans to start collecting signatures on a petition to get the issue on the ballot.

” . . . What are we teaching the kids in this society? That it’s OK to do this for entertainment?” Garrison said. “It’s ridiculous that we’re even having to battle this.”