Cruelty toward animals has sadly become a commonplace attraction at MSU. This past weekend, the MSU Pavilion hosted the 38th annual Spartan Stampede Rodeo. Rodeos are an outdated, backward cruel pastime where normally gentle, peaceful animals are provoked and hurt to make them appear fierce and wild. Electric prods, bucking straps and spurs are tools of torture often used by the riders to inflict severe pain as well as internal and external injuries upon the animals, causing them to behave erratically so they can be “tamed” by a “cowboy.” Although the “cowboys” in rodeos voluntary risk their safety during shows, the animals have no choice and are not willing participants to open displays of unconscionable cruelty. Animals are often severely injured or die at rodeo events, including the young animals that are roped, lassoed and brutalized by the rodeo “cowboys.”

In April, Breslin Center will host the Royal Hanneford Circus, which has been cited nine times since 1993 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for failure to provide an adequate veterinary care program. In 1998 an elephant rampaged at a New York show and in 1999 a zebra escaped and was found wandering a busy local street. Much like rodeos, circuses are inherently cruel and wild animals are severely beaten in order for them to perform unnatural, painful tricks across the country. These animals are carted around for years in trailers in extreme temperatures where they have very little room to move. The cruelty in both of these outdated industries is evident. Students Promoting Animal Rights is urging Breslin Center staff to cancel these blood sports now and forever. Please contact Breslin Center and demand an end to animal exploitation and cruelty on our campus.