With dismay, I learned about your intention to stage the first ever rodeo in China's Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest) in October 2011, as part of a US-Chinese cultural exchange programme.
Animals used in rodeos suffer from physical injuries, fear and stress, and often a painful death. Tremendous pain is caused by the devices to make normally docile animals act fiercely. Broken bones and tails result from jumping on and grabbing the animals. Calf roping causes horrific neck injuries and trauma when they are slammed to the ground.
Watching and participating in such cruelty dehumanises the people involved. All countries have much to learn from each other, but sending out a message of violence and inhumane abuse as a form of 'entertainment' is a regressive move. This can never be an asset to the culture or development of China.
I strongly join Chinese and international animal welfare organisations in their pledge to stop rodeos being introduced in China.
Yours sincerely,
[Name]
[Country]
[Name]
[Country]
