In the following letter, Dr. Edward Schettino, DVM, PhD, CAWA, ARL’s President & CEO, outlines ARL’s concerns about the return of the Boston Rodeo.

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) strongly opposes rodeo practices that subject animals to fear, distress, pain, or risk of injury for the purpose of competition and entertainment. No tradition or form of entertainment justifies compromising the welfare of animals. ARL is calling for protections to prevent rodeo practices and implements that unnecessarily cause animals pain, fear, distress, or injury.

On October 16-17, the Boston Rodeo will return to the city for a second year, bringing two days of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) competition to Boston’s Seaport. When the rodeo came to Boston last year, ARL raised serious concerns about these practices and reached out to make our position known. Those concerns remain today. We are deeply disappointed to see the event return and believe rodeo practices that put animal welfare at risk have no place in a city and state that have demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting animals.

The public deserves to understand what animals may experience during traditional rodeo events. We urge those considering attending or supporting the Boston Rodeo to look beyond the spectacle, learn more about the practices involved, and consider whether this is the type of entertainment they want to support.

Rodeos may be marketed as celebrations of Western sport, culture, and tradition, but tradition does not excuse the treatment of these animals. Despite claims of high standards of care, many traditional rodeo events involve animals being chased, restrained, roped, and subjected to situations that can cause fear and distress, all for the sake of sport and competition.

This year, ARL will continue raising awareness and will once again voice our opposition and urge the Boston City Council to address the animal welfare concerns associated with rodeos. Massachusetts has taken meaningful action to protect animals used for entertainment in the past, and it’s time for Boston to again be a leader in animal welfare and to extend that commitment to rodeos.

Sincerely,

Edward Schettino, DVM, PhD, CAWA
President & CEO