Rodeo Issue Got a Fair Ride

* On behalf of the City Council of San Juan Capistrano, I would like to express our appreciation for the fair report on our actions to regulate rodeos in our community (“Animal Lovers Staying on Rodeo’s Back,” April 28).

Although we may not agree with [animal rights activist] Jane Garrison’s opinions, we do believe we have acted responsibly and with concern for the animals.

As background, San Juan Capistrano is the first city in the nation to adopt Professional Rodeo Cowboys Assn. (PRCA) safety requirements to protect livestock used in rodeos. The new ordinance covers six events included in professional rodeos: calf roping, team roping, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, and steer wrestling.

Some important provisions of the new ordinance prohibit the use of sharpened spurs, locked rowels, caustic ointments, unlined flank straps, and drugs or stimulants previously associated with some rodeo events to “enhance” animal performance.

Rodeos in San Juan Capistrano are often organized as fund-raisers for charitable causes. The new law is viewed as a way to assure a continued good animal safety record while allowing these events to continue.

The ordinance sets the standard for all rodeos in San Juan Capistrano. It will be enforced by Orange County Animal Control, which will have an officer present during all rodeo activities. The ordinance also requires that a large-animal veterinarian, independent from the rodeo company, must be present.

WYATT HART

Mayor

San Juan Capistrano

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* Your fair coverage of the rodeo controversy showed the resolve of an industry based on profit, not tradition. The contests used came from the short era of 1867 to 1887. The West was uncivilized and immature at that time. We do not need to celebrate our weakness. Just as the Columbus Day holiday has come into question, so too has rodeo.

The resolve of the rodeo cowboys will not outlive them, but the philosophy of civilized peace will.

GERARD LIVERNOIS

Laguna Niguel