Update:
In April the Senate passed a bill, SB 835, that would make horse tripping a Class B misdemeanor, which could leave violators facing six months in jail, a $2,500 fine, or both. The bill is still waiting to be heard by the House.
-------
Disturbing video captured at the Jordan Valley Big Loop Rodeo in southeastern Oregon in May highlights the cruelty of horse tripping events at rodeos and the necessity for a complete ban in the state.
The footage, captured by Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK), shows rodeo participants roping horses around the neck and legs before they go crashing violently to the ground. The event is blatant animal cruelty and can cause a host of injuries to horses from rope burns and internal damage to broken bones and death.
Yet, for some reason rodeo advocates continue to defend their actions and cheer as horses endure unimaginable pain and trauma.
Oregon previously had the chance to pass legislation that would have banned this cruel practice. Please sign the petition urging Oregon's legislature to reintroduce and support legislation banning horse tripping throughout the state.
As someone who is concerned with the humane treatment of animals, I was outraged by the video footage depicting 'horse tripping' at the Jordan Valley Big Loop Rodeo in southeastern Oregon last May that was released by Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK).
Horse tripping is nothing short of blatant animal cruelty, leaving horses vulnerable to injuries that range from rope burns, battered bodies and internal damage to broken bones and death, not to mention the sheer and scarring terror it inflicts on them. Even through it may not occur at events sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, it clearly still happens and should unquestionably be banned.
Inflicting pain on an animal for nothing more than entertainment is barbaric and hiding it behind the argument of supporting culture and heritage, or worries that banning it will affect other agriculture or rodeo practices, is embarrassing in this day and age. It's difficult to understand how anyone of any culture could condone this activity, let alone find it even remotely entertaining.
I was further disappointed after learning that you had the opportunity to ban this activity last year, but chose not to take action.
I sincerely hope that you will join other states that have already done so and take a stand for the humane treatment of animals in Oregon by supporting recently introduced legislation (S.B. 835/ H.B. 2901) that will ban horse tripping for sport or entertainment in your state.
