URGENT: CALL/WRITE re: Santa Clara considering ban on abusive tools in circuses, rodeos!

October 1, 2008

This is a crucial bill - if it passes, it could set a precedent that animals suffering for "entertainment" NEED!! It is banning bullhooks, spurs, all shocking devices, all cruel instruments used in rodeos, chaining and more. List/numbers of who to contact at bottom. PLEASE CALL/WRITE!

PUBLIC HEARING ON SANTA CLARA COUNTY PROPOSED RODEO ORDINANCE When: October 9, 2008 at 6:30pm Where: Gilroy Senior Center, 7371 Hanna Street, Gilroy, CA 95020 Ph: (408) 846-0414

The Santa Clara County Animal Advisory Commission will hold a public hearing regarding the adoption of an ordinance to restrict the use of animals in circuses and rodeos in unincorporated Santa Clara County and on County owned property. It is important we get as many rodeo proponents who live in Santa Clara County to contact their commissioner, submit comments and attend the hearing if possible. Additionally, those in adjacent counties may want to weigh in and attend the hearing. There is not a draft ordinance at this time, but we have heard that Commissioner McHugh is recommending, “to prohibit cruel training devices utilized in circuses and rodeos county-wide. These restrictions would prohibit bull hooks or any similar device; chaining of elephants; electric prods or shocking devices; whips, bucking straps or flanks; spurs — sharp or dull; fixed rowels; hot shots; and cattle prods used on animals in rodeos or circuses. In

addition, the restrictions would prohibit a person from deliberately tripping, wrestling, tripping or by any other means causing an animal used in the rodeo to fall to the ground in any event.” If McHugh gets his recommendations in the draft ordinance it would ban steer wrestling and roping in rodeos if passed. This is what we know will be in the ordinance:Ban steer tailing, require the attendance of a veterinarian at rodeo events, and include a definition of rodeo as “a performance featuring competition between persons that includes one or more of the following events: bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, or team roping;” THIS WOULD REQUIRE A VETERINARIAN AT ALL TEAM ROPINGS, PRACTICES OF STEER WRESTLING, ETC. There are also provisions regarding circuses that will be included in the ordinance.

Santa Clara County Animal Advisory Commission Public Hearing Who to Contact:BOARD OF SUPERVISORS EMAIL AND PHONE CONTACT INFORMATION: Don Gage (408) 299-5010 don.gage (Chair of Committee)Blanca Alvarado (408) 299-5020 blanca.alvarado Pete McHugh (408) 299-5030 peter.mchugh (supports a complete ban on circuses and rodeos, term is over in November, will not be running again)Ken Yeager (408) 299-5040 ken.yeagerLiz Kniss (408) 299-5050 liz.kniss