It is extremely disconcerting that in the 21st century humankind hasn't evolved enough to prohibit the barbaric exploitation of animals as entertainment.

Seeing a terrified calf frantically trying to escape capture by a cowboy on a galloping horse, while cheering fans shout and clap as the helpless animal is then lassoed, brought down, and tied is outright cruelty.

If we tolerate and condone this insensitivity towards other species it is inevitable that we will destroy ourselves.

Any event, whether it be a circus or rodeo, that reinforces the oppression of animals, and celebrates our abuse of power over them ought to be condemned and outlawed. Let's move out of the past and into a more enlightened and progressive future.

Carmina Gooch