National Western Stock Show Bans Use Of Electric Prods
Prod Used To Get Uncooperative Broncs Out Of Chute
POSTED: 12:07 pm MST January 7,
2009
UPDATED: 12:55 pm MST January 7,
2009
DENVER -- Colorado's premier rodeo won't use electric prods this year to get uncooperative broncs out of the chute and bucking. The National Western Stock Show and Rodeo said this week it took the step to allay public concern.The Illinois-based group Showing Animals Respect and Kindness, or SHARK, recorded video at last year's National Western showing several horses being jolted out of the chute. Last year, Stock Show officials said the devices run on 9-volt batteries and were permitted under rodeo rules. The device was only used when the rodeo had the consent of the animal's owner, contestant or rodeo judge.
State veterinarian Keith Roehr said the National Western used the prods correctly. SHARK President Steve Hindi praised the decision not to use them this year. The National Western starts Saturday. Organizers say it's one of the top five rodeos in North America in terms of prize money and number of contestants.
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Previous Stories:
- January 25, 2008: Electric Prod At Stock Show Called Abusive
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