LETTER: Please wear mask at rodeo

I am concerned about the Cache County rodeo going forward at this time without the issuance of a mask mandate. The great majority of health experts agree that mask-wearing (albeit imperfect), is one of only a couple of tools we currently have, to help curb the spread of the virus, and the practice (and recommendation) thereof has been adopted by many politicians (including our governor), churches, and other organizations.

Mr. Poulsen (rodeo chairman for the Cache County Fair and Rodeo) suggests in an article published on cachevalleydaily.com, that those who are of high risk to complications from COVID19, might be wise to stay home. I quote, “If I was elderly with a health situation, I might not go sit in the stands with a bunch of people next to me.”

Unfortunately, the vulnerable population avoiding the virus, entails more than just their staying away from large gatherings – because they don’t live in a bubble. For one, in their efforts to make a living, they, themselves, or others in their household, more than likely must venture out to work, many unable to avoid circumstances where social distancing is not an option.

So, if we try and stay well and help keep others in the community healthy, we might avoid inadvertently becoming a threat (directly or indirectly) to a vulnerable family member, friend, or other community member.

As we attend fairs, rodeos, or other public gatherings, I hope mask-wearing will be the norm — for the sake of our loved ones, and beyond. (I do realize that for various reasons, there is a very small percentage of the population who cannot tolerate wearing a mask.

-Christina Howell


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11 Comments

  • KA July 19, 2020 at 2:59 pm Reply

    But, how will wearing masks own the Libs?!?

  • Eric Mills, coordinator, ACTION FOR ANIMALS, Oakland July 19, 2020 at 3:50 pm Reply

    Lest we forget, COVID-19 was HUMAN-caused, a direct result of our gross mistreatment and abuse of animals, both wild and domestic. There are connections to be made here, folks.

    Be aware that EVERY animal welfare organization in North America condemns rodeo due to its inherent cruelty. For the majority of these exploited creatures–horses and bulls included–the rodeo arena is merely a detour en route to the slaughterhouse. Most of rodeo is bogus from the git-go, having NOTHING to do with life on a working ranch–it’s all hype: REAL cowboys/girls never routinely rode bulls, or wrestled steers, or rode bareback, or barrel raced, or practiced calf roping (terrified BABIES) as a timed event. And they certainly did not put flank straps on the animals, or work them over in the holding chutes with painful “hotshots,” kicks and slaps. Some “sport”! Indeed rodeo is not a “sport” at all–it’s a macho exercise in DOMINATION. And it needs to stop. This crappy attitude is killing the planet.

    The United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales) outlawed rodeos back in 1934. Can the U.S. be far behind? Legislation is in order to stop this cruelty, local, state, federal. Until that happy day, BOYCOTT ALL RODEOS, THEIR CORPORATE SPONSORS AND ADVERTISERS. Follow the money.

    See link below to new, prize-winning rodeo documentary short, “BUCKING TRADITION” – also available on YouTube. Great teaching tool for Humane Educators:

    https://www.actionforanimals-oakland.com

  • pablo July 19, 2020 at 4:49 pm Reply

    Not wearing a mask is the ultimate “I don’t care about anyone but myself” statement.

  • AR July 19, 2020 at 5:39 pm Reply

    Thank you for speaking out. Having the fair and rodeo seems very irresistible during this time. The very least the city counsel and those doing the rodeo could do is to mandate a mask. We love the fair and rodeo but will not be attending this year. Hoping to not see a spike in numbers right as school will be starting as a result of this.

  • S July 19, 2020 at 6:07 pm Reply

    Good job, this is very wise advise

  • Jennofur OConnor July 20, 2020 at 1:43 am Reply

    Tormenting animals for “fun” in the rodeo is condemned by anyone with a conscience.

  • DRA July 20, 2020 at 12:07 pm Reply

    I will be supporting the Rodeo!!!!!!!

  • Bulls lives matter July 20, 2020 at 3:04 pm Reply

    I will wear my mask. The last I checked the bulls and broncos had personal trainers. I will gladly join the bulls lives matters group, but as we speak they currently have the upper hoof at the rodeo. I can recall the last time that a bull was beaten at the rodeo. I have seen multiple broken bones from the riders. I personally, love the inner thigh stomp Where the riders are bruised for months.

  • S July 20, 2020 at 3:39 pm Reply

    City council and mayor need VOTED OUT!!

  • Bulls lives matter July 21, 2020 at 1:44 pm Reply

    So, In 1934 the UK basically outlawed rodeos. Wow, just wow. Where did they import the cowboys from? France? That is the worst argument that I have seen in a while. Where is the outrage about chicken cannibalism. The way that humans treat each other, the animals are getting off easy.

    • GlidingBuzzard July 22, 2020 at 10:31 am Reply

      That is when the Nazis were making the laws. Even shoeing a horse could put you in prison. But the ARA’s love carrying on the tradition.

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