The animal welfare group "SHowing Animals Respect and Kindness" or SHARK presented new allegations of animal cruelty at this year's Reno Rodeo.
During a press conference this morning, the group played videos they say show horses shocked by people employed by several companies at last month's rodeo.
They allege animal handlers used a prod that can deliver a shock of up to 10,000 volts. And that the prods were hidden under gloves to allow the animals to be given more painful shocks within view of rodeo judges.
"Everybody knew, everybody on the rodeo floor and behind the chutes knew there were multiple people who were shocking horses," says Steve Hindi of 'Showing Animals Respect and Kindness.'
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) responded to the allegations saying rules allow for the use of a small prod that is powered by flashlight batteries and doesn't hurt the animals.
The Reno Rodeo Association released a statement saying it puts the welfare of rodeo animals first, saying in part - "...We strive for an injury-free rodeo for contestants and livestock alike and while we know that may not be attainable; we will continue to work toward that lofty goal. We understand that there are groups and individuals who do not believe that we have the right to interact with animals in sports such as rodeo, but we believe that we can with proper care and handling of those animals. We know that the thousands of you that attended the rodeo were able to observe personally the healthy, well-cared-for livestock that was a part of the show."
The Reno Rodeo Association says the PRCA - which sanctions the Reno Rodeo - has decided to make all future comments on this story - at least at this time.
Written by Michael Wolfe
