Don't support rodeo, pleads Surrey woman

Editor: As rodeo posters appear in business windows and cowboy hats dot the Cloverdale streets, the May long weekend is on everyone's mind, and for most people in Cloverdale, the rodeo is where they will be spending it.
Although the rodeo may be fun for its human counterparts, it is certainly not fun for those who suffer the brute end of the cruelty: the animals. Many people may argue that the cowboy suffers more than any livestock in the rodeo, however the cowboy can choose this fate, whereas the animals do not.
Animals that endure these cruel and barbaric events are often severely injured. They are bruised and bleeding when the event finishes, many are unnecessarily put down due to their injuries.
Animals deserve respect, they are innocent and pure and have done nothing to deserve the terror and fear they are faced with every May long weekend.
One of the most appalling events is calf-roping. In this event, the cowboy rides out on a galloping horse and lassoes the calf, the rider then dismounts and throws the calf.
Three of the calf's legs are tied and the calf must remain this way for several seconds.
During this event, many cowboys will inflict injuries on the calf by twisting their ears and pulling on their nostrils. Bruises and bleeding wounds are common occurrences, not to mention the fear and shear terror inflicted.
I challenge all of you, the rodeo audience, to ask yourself this question: If a cute, innocent little puppy was in the calf roping ring, its nose bleeding and its neck strained, screaming in terror, would you applaud the cold-hearted people participating or would you join the protest outside?
Calves and puppies; not that different. Please don't support the rodeo.
Ashley Fruno
Surrey