Published Letters and Op-Eds from
COK’s Writers Group

Gay Rodeo Not Fun for the Animals

Published in The Washington Blade on August 30, 2002.

It’s almost time again for the annual gay rodeo, perhaps better referred to as an annual animal abuse event.

Animals at rodeos suffer greatly from the cruelty designed to make them appear vicious and wild. The psychological strain on these animals—some only weeks old—is immense, as they are prodded, kicked, thrown, whiplashed, dragged, and mocked for reasons they cannot understand. Sprains, broken bones, and even death are considered acceptable.

Rodeos represent the worst in human nature, and we owe it to these animals to see this barbaric “sport” end. Please do not support this or any rodeo.

Steve Cucolo
Washington, D.C.