THE RODEO.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 152, 29 June 1926, Page 16

THE RODEO.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —When writing of the rodeo it was not my intention to attack any particular section of people, but it so happened that the Wild West shows of which I could write took place in the U.S.A. I admit it would perhaps have been better had I written of North America, as that would have embraced Canada; but in whatever country, under whatever Hag. the rodeo is an abomination, and it is gratifying to know that, through the prompt action of the R.S.P.C.A. in England, the rodeo promoters are not again likely to attempt an exhibition in that country. lam well aware of the splendid humane organisations in America—-its animal hospitals, its rest homes for worn-out horses, its bird sanctuaries —but efforts : to suppress the "round-up" have not so far been successful in the west and north-western territories. There are many opinions as to what constitutes a good "sportsman," but I have never heard it defined as a being who will willingly witness brutalities to helpless, inoffensive animals. It would be very interesting to kn6w what verdict the distinguished visitors passed upon the rodeo. Would "Fairplay" not consider "the chewing of horses' ears by men until their mouths dripped with blood" a dehumanising act? It certainly is not compatible with "Blessed are the merci- | ful."—l am, etc., . _ HUIA. |