Animal-rights advocates denounce 100th year anniversary of Tucson Rodeo competitions
On Feb. 15, the rodeo's opening day, a small group of protesters gathered outside the grounds, holding signs. The demonstration was organized by In Defense of Animals and the Tucson-based group Supporting and Promoting Ethics for the Animal Kingdom (SPEAK).
The group alleged that the Tucson Rodeo used physically abusive methods to wrangle and manage horses and bulls during the competition.
"Animals do not exist for human entertainment and rodeos have no place in a modern, progressive society," wrote Brittany Michelson, spokesperson for SPEAK in a news release.
The group cited the alleged use of electroshock devices, spurs, and straps that abuse and hurt animals.
Sam Merriman, chairman of the Tucson Rodeo, refuted these claims in a written statement to The Arizona Republic, emphasizing that the event operates under the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), which enforces strict safety rules for both animals and participants. He also noted that a veterinarian is embedded within the rodeo to ensure animal welfare.
According to PRCA regulations, spurs must be dulled, and electric shock prods may only be used when necessary, and only on an animal's hip or shoulder. A shock prod might be used if an animal becomes stuck in the chute area, where they are contained before release.
Violators face fines or disqualification from a rodeo competition.
"The Tucson Rodeo Committee is proud to produce one of Tucson's longest running community events. We are proud to continue to produce a safe and enjoyable event for thousands every year," wrote Merriman.
Merriman added that a veterinarian was on-site to oversee the care and treatment of animals throughout all Tucson Rodeo competitions.
"I have not treated animal injuries in the Tucson Rodeo performances this year," said Eddie Taylor, Tucson Rodeo's veterinarian.
In Defense of Animals and SPEAK planned another protest on the final day of the Tucson Rodeo, scheduled for Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., according to a news release.
The organizations also rallied nearly 16,500 supporters, urging community leaders, including the Tucson City Council and Mayor Regina Romero, to ban the use of electric shock devices at the rodeo.
"Contrary to claims by the Tucson Rodeo that electric prods are only used sparingly on 'problem animals,' ongoing video monitoring of the events clearly documents the consistent and arbitrary use of shock devices on the horses and bulls as they're released from the chutes,' wrote Gary Vella, president of SPEAK.
Reach reporter Rey Covarrubias Jr. at rcovarrubias@gannett.com. Follow him on X, Threads and Bluesky @ReyCJrAZ.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Animal-rights advocates protest alleged abuse at Tucson Rodeo
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