NYC Bull Riding Rodeo Cruel And Should Be Banned, Advocates Say

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — Animal rights advocates supporting legislation to ban techniques used in rodeo competitions are calling on Madison Square Garden to cancel its upcoming rodeo event this summer.

Legislation proposed by Senate Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal — whose district includes parts of the Upper West Side and Hell's Kitchen neighborhoods — would outlaw events such as calf roping and the use of rodeo equipment such as electric cattle prods and sharpened spurs.

Rosenthal likened the rodeo to "modern day gladiator games — blood sport masquerading as entertainment" during a Tuesday press conference in Albany.

"It is shocking that MSG would host this brutality," Rosenthal said in a statement. "It is deeply disturbing that a private company which receives a multi-million-dollar property tax abatement each year - $42 million last year alone - is hosting an event that violates the spirit of our State’s animal cruelty laws."

Madison Square Garden is hosting its Rodeo New York event in June in partnership with the Cowboy Channel. The three-day competition features events such as bull riding and calf roping. Dozens of rodeo athletes are expected to compete during the event for up to $1 million in prize money, according to Madison Square Garden's website.

A spokesperson for Madison Square Garden did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Former rodeo veterinarian Peggy Larson said that rodeo animals suffer injuries such as broken bones, muscle tears, ruptured internal organs and damage to the throat during these competitions.

"Animals in rodeos suffer severe injuries and intense pain and it is inhumane to allow rodeos to continue," Larsen said in a statement.

Groups supporting Rosenthal's bill include NYCLASS (New Yorkers for Clean, Liveable Streets), SHARK (SHowing Animals Respect and Kindness), Red Robin Song Animal Sanctuary, Horseracing Wrongs and the Animal Cruelty Exposure Fund.