CHEYENNE, Wyo. — People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is renewing its call for a ban on the use of flank straps on bucking animals following the death of a horse and the injury to another at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo.
In a statement Friday, PETA said the straps placed around the animals to enhance kicking inexcusably forces them to flail wildly to get it off.
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association said in response that they rely upon veterinarians to offer expertise on equipment and are also on hand at rodeos to ensure animal welfare.
“Flank straps are designed to enhance the kicking actions of animals that are bred to buck,” the PRCA’s Cindy Schonholtz said in a statement.
Strawberry Fudge died July 19 after rearing up and falling backward shortly after coming out of the chute during a saddle bronc event.
Bob Budd, chairman of the rodeo’s animal care committee, said it was the second death of a horse in 25 years. Rodeo riders said the fleece-lined straps are placed loosely on the horses. The Associated Press /Wyoming Tribune Eagle
