Utah lawmakers consider ban on horse tripping

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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – Utah lawmakers this year are considering banning horse tripping practices that involve the use of ropes to lasso the animals and bring them to the ground.

A bill from West Jordan Republican Rep. Ken Ivory would ban the practice for sport or entertainment.

Ivory says horses are companions and service animals and they should not be brutalized.

Horse tripping has been banned in 13 states and several other states are considering restricting the practice.

Horse roping and horse tripping are not sanctioned by Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association or the National Professional Rodeo Association.

The Deseret News reports (http://bit.ly/1Glp0FY ) critics of horse tripping bans say they open the door for criticism from animal-rights activists of rodeo events.

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