LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Los Angeles City Council today will consider a motion to ban electric prods, shocking devices and other tools from rodeos.
But the local animal-advocacy organization Last Chance For Animals is pushing the city to do even more, by banning rodeos outright.
The city motion, introduced by Councilman Bob Blumenfield, would direct the city attorney to prepare an ordinance to prohibit the following devices from Los Angeles rodeos and rodeo-related events:
-- electric prods;
-- shocking devices;
-- flank or bucking straps;
-- wire tiedowns;
-- sharpened or fixed spurs; and
-- rowels.
Last Chance For Animals is circulating a petition, which had nearly 22,000 signatures as of Monday, calling for a ban on rodeo events. The petition can be found at https://bit.ly/2NwvWPd.
“L.A. is very close to enacting this historic rodeo ban, but we need to keep the momentum going to ensure it passes,'' according to a statement from the group on Monday.
The motion to ban from Los Angeles rodeos tools that cause harm to animals was modeled after Pittsburgh's 1992 ordinance, which banned the same tools, according to the motion.
“Rodeos often use a number of inhumane implements ... to encourage aggressive behavior in animals to produce an entertainment product. Animals suffer significant injuries during common rodeo events such as bull and bronco riding, steer wrestling and calf roping,'' the motion stated.
“Many animals are put down as a result of injuries sustained during these events. ... It is time for our city to act in the interest of animal welfare on this issue as it has in the past for other issues.''
The Los Angeles City Council will hear public comment shortly after the meeting begins at 10 a.m. People who want to express their view on the motion can call 1-669-254-5252 and use Meeting ID number 160 535 8466 and then press #. Callers should press # again when prompted for participant ID. Once admitted into the meeting, they can press *9 to request to speak.
Photo: Getty Images
Copyright 2021 City News Service, Inc.