Stop Electrical Shocking Torture At the Tucson Rodeo
2,552 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site
Sign our petition to ban the painful electric shocks that torment noble animals for mere entertainment.
Welcome to our call for change. We stand at a pivotal moment for the majestic animals participating in the Tucson Rodeo—a tradition admired for nearly a century but now marred by practices that contradict our values of compassion and respect.
Recent reports have exposed troubling treatments inflicted on horses and bulls at the Tucson Rodeo, where electric shocks are used to force these animals into aggressive performances1. These devices, delivering up to 6,000 volts, induce extreme stress and fear in animals, pushing them beyond their limits merely for entertainment2, 3.
Veterinarian Eddie Taylor, associated with the Tucson Rodeo for over three decades, asserts that these animals are well cared for. Yet, footage and eyewitness accounts from animal rights groups like Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) and In Defense of Animals tell a different story—of routine suffering hidden behind the scenes2.
Our mission is clear. We aim to end the use of electric shocks and other painful devices that tarnish the integrity of rodeo traditions. True skill and bravery should be the hallmark of rodeos, not the pain and fear exhibited by the animals involved.
Why We Need Your Help
The Tucson Rodeo has responded to these allegations, yet the use of shock devices persists as documented by activists and confirmed by video evidence spanning over a decade3. Despite regulations by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), which include 60 laws intended to protect animal welfare, enforcement and adherence remain questionable1.
This is not just about one event or one city. It's about setting a precedent that respects animal welfare across all rodeos. By banning electric shock devices, we can make a significant impact on how these beloved animals are treated, ensuring rodeo remains a symbol of heritage without compromising on ethics.
Join Our Cause
Your voice is powerful. By signing the petition linked below, you advocate for:
- Banning electric shock devices and other pain-inducing equipment in rodeos.
- Enforcing rigorous welfare checks by independent veterinarians.
- Creating a transparent system to report and address animal abuse.
Together, we can reimagine rodeo as a celebration of life and talent, free from cruelty. Help us ensure a humane, respectful, and ethical treatment of all rodeo animals. Your support sends a strong message to the State of Arizona, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the PRCA, urging them to revise and enforce animal welfare laws.
Sign the petition now to end torture against rodeo animals
- Shelle Jackson, KVOA News (26 February 2023), "Tucson Rodeo Addresses Allegations of Animal Abuse."
- Dale Quin, Tucson.com (25 February 2008), "Animal Abuse Alleged at Tucson Rodeo."
- World Animal News (1 March 2024), "Activists Protest Animal Cruelty & The Use Of Electric Shock Devices At The Tucson Rodeo."
The Petition:
To the the State of Arizona, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA),
We, the undersigned, are calling upon the State of Arizona, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) to enact stringent measures that eliminate the use of torturous practices, such as electric shocks, within the rodeo industry.
Need for Humanity and Care
Rodeos have long been a celebrated aspect of American culture, showcasing skill and bravery. However, the entertainment and sport should not come at the expense of the animals involved. Recent investigations and eyewitness accounts have revealed disturbing practices, including the use of high-voltage electric shocks, that cause unnecessary pain, fear, and stress to rodeo animals. Such practices not only compromise the welfare of these animals but also tarnish the reputation of the rodeo community.
It is imperative that we uphold the highest standards of humanity and care. Animals used in rodeos, like all creatures, deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. The use of pain to elicit entertainment contradicts the values of compassion and respect for life.
Call for Action
We urge immediate action to:
- Ban the use of electric shock devices and other pain-inducing equipment in rodeos.
- Implement comprehensive welfare checks by independent veterinarians at all rodeo events.
- Establish a transparent system for reporting and investigating claims of animal abuse in rodeos.
By adopting these measures, the State of Arizona, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the PRCA can lead the way in ensuring rodeos are humane and ethical events. This commitment will not only enhance the welfare of the animals but will also preserve the integrity and heritage of the rodeo tradition.
A Brighter Future
We believe that protecting rodeo animals from cruelty and abuse is not only a moral obligation but also essential for the future of rodeos as a respected sport and cultural activity. Together, we can foster a compassionate environment that honors both our heritage and our responsibility to all living beings.
In solidarity and hope, we stand for a future where the rodeo embodies the true spirit of respect and kindness towards all participants, human and animal alike.
Sincerely,
