Readers React: Mexican rodeo is cruel; banning it has nothing to do with immigration

To the editor: Truth be told, much of Mexican rodeo (charreada) is indefensible. Even Cesar Chavez was a critic. (“In defense of Mexican rodeo,” Op-Ed, Oct. 22)

The issue here is not history or culture or tradition but cruelty to animals, all done in the name of sport and entertainment. It needs to stop.

Three of the Mexican rodeo’s nine standard events involve roping the legs of running horses. A fourth — steer tailing — is even more brutal. Tails may be broken or torn off and horses may suffer broken legs when the steers run the wrong way. Some “sport.” (See the many YouTube videos.)

None of these events are standard ranching practice anywhere in the United States. They should all be banned outright, along with rodeo events such as calf roping, steer wrestling and steer tripping. Legislation is in order.

Eric Mills, Oakland

The writer is coordinator of Action for Animals.

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