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 was taking 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. State veterinarian Keith Roehr says 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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Information from: The Denver Post,
