In September 2006 FAACE investigated two rodeo events, which took place at the "Cowboys' Guest Ranch" in Voghera (Pavia).

We were shocked by the cruelty in these events. Horses and bulls were shocked with electric prods again and again to make them buck; this is even illegal in the USA.

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The flank strap was used on the bulls and horses as were spurs.

In rodeo the spurs have to be kicked into the neck and shoulders of the animals, for which points are awarded to the cowboy.

In the case of the bulls, the spurs are dug into the animal's belly to enable the rider to hold on to the animal.

The horses fell down repeatedly because of the stress.

The next day we could see the wounds and scars made by the spurs on the horses' necks and shoulders.

Little goats were terrified, when riders on horseback raced up to them at full gallop, while they were tied to the fence. The little goats were equally panicked, when hundreds of children tried to get a scarf off their necks.

Calves tried to break out of their chutes in panic, which might have resulted harmful injuries to them.

What we saw in Italy in September 2006 an absolute disgrace.

Please write a protest letter to President Romano Prodi by using the mailform
and to the Italian Ambassodor Giancarlo Aragona:
ambasciata.londra@esteri.it , stampa.amblondra@esteri.it