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Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Dear Van Horn Chamber of Commerce, how dare you?

How dare you "proudly present" the World Championship Donkey Roping? 

Kris at The Dancing Donkey brought this event to my attention, and my blood is still boiling. As Kris summarized, "Donkeys do not handle this kind of abuse well at all, especially when it is repeated over and over and over again.  Unlike calves, who are never roped more than a few times because they are too valuable to damage, donkeys in Texas have no monetary value.  Because of this, these donkeys are roped over and over again until they either shut down completely from terror and trauma or are too maimed to continue."

If you've been hanging out here for awhile, you've met Patrick from Morning Bray Farm and know his story – 
how he was used and abused as a roping donkey until Justina and Don rescued him.


Patrick is one of the lucky donkeys whose life was saved before he shut down.



He has learned what it's like to be a donkey instead of a target at the end of a rope.



He has also learned to like potato chips, but that's beside the point.


The point is, donkey roping is barbaric and has no place in civilized society, or uncivilized society for that matter. It's just plain wrong. And if you don't believe me, believe Ghandi, who told us, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

I don't ask you for much here at this blog, but today I'm asking you for this: please send an e-mail to the Van Horn, Texas, Chamber of Commerce, asking them to eliminate the World Championship Donkey Roping from their June 23 Frontier Days event. Their contact information is:
P.O. Box 762
Van Horn, Texas 79855
(432) 283-2043, Monday - Friday
9:00 am to 3:00 pm


Patrick, and all the other donkeys here at the 7MSN and Morning Bray Farm, will be most appreciative.
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69 comments:

  1. Farmer Barb6/12/12, 4:50 AM

    Perhaps they will add an additional contest,"World Championship Canibalism." They could set some of the lesser privileged people loose in the streets, hunt them down and eat them.

    Remind me again WHY we need donkey roping?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Grey Horse Matters6/12/12, 4:58 AM

    That's horrible! I'll contact them and hope they see the light.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous6/12/12, 4:58 AM

    I emailed yesterday. I suggested they rope each other instead!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous6/12/12, 4:59 AM

    Carson: what about ASPCA or the Humane Society?? I'm emailing the Chamber in VanHorn and also calling, but there is surely something else that can be done!!All of us (your faithful followers) will do our part, but we MUST rescue these docile and humble creatures!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. C in WI6/12/12, 5:02 AM

    Already sent in my email to them yesterday after Justina alerted me about this sad event.

    Hopefully they will listen and if they don't shut it down this year, perhaps next year we will see a different agenda from them.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sandra6/12/12, 5:15 AM

    I have lots of support from my friends. Patricia's inbox will be full for sure. I just can't stand by and let this cruel behavior to animals. A small voice is often heard.
    Thanks for this post Carson, we needed to know.
    Best always, Sandra

    ReplyDelete
  7. Unknown6/12/12, 5:15 AM

    Done. I'm from the area. I'd also suggest letters to the local paper, if anyone is a local. Cite the law in New Mexico, support rodeos in general, note that only cowards rope donkeys.

    Maybe that will hit those #$@ jerks.

    ReplyDelete
  8. chaserider6/12/12, 5:40 AM

    Message sent. Thanks for the heads up, Linda.

    ReplyDelete
  9. theresa EH6/12/12, 5:41 AM

    Good for you eh! paying to watch animals be abused is just barbaric!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anne Boleyn6/12/12, 5:42 AM

    Done, and hoping it helps!
    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Taryn6/12/12, 5:45 AM

    I just sent my email. I have to say I doubt our efforts will be met with much empathy. Some of this stuff is so entrenched in the mentality of a particular area, they just can't see it's wrong...not to mention the money motivation :-(

    ReplyDelete
  12. Carol in N. Colorado6/12/12, 6:14 AM

    I will email them this afternoon after horse camp. I will pass the notice onto my daughter.

    These morons ought to see the end of the rope and be dragged around the arena for a while too.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Kathleen6/12/12, 6:30 AM

    Email sent, quoting the Dalai Lama:
    “All sentient beings have the right to life. It is obvious that mammals, birds and fish all feel pleasure and pain, and that therefore they do not like pain any more than we do. When we abuse animals simply for a profit motive, even if we leave the Buddhist point of view aside, such action contradicts elementary moral values.”

    ReplyDelete
  14. TravelRabbit6/12/12, 6:39 AM

    Email sent. Who are their sponsors? It's probably a good idea to contact them, too.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Morning Bray Farm6/12/12, 6:42 AM

    Thank you, Carson.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Denise at Autumn Sky6/12/12, 6:51 AM

    Oh no, what the hell is wrong with people? I have been so horrified over the horse slaughter industry the past few months which has included a lot of activity in NM. How does a community allow something like this to be included in a public event???? WTH is wrong with people???

    ReplyDelete
  17. Rain Trueax6/12/12, 7:01 AM

    I hope it helps. Unfortunately too many people see all animals as just to be used, but I sent the email and will hope these people are of a higher quality than some out there.

    ReplyDelete
  18. billie6/12/12, 7:23 AM

    Sent my email. I lived in Texas for a number of years while in grad school, and have many fond memories - this is an embarrassment. :/

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous6/12/12, 7:33 AM

    Having been the owner of a donkey that was roped, it does make my heart hurt for the poor donkeys that have to endure this kind of abuse. It should be illegal as far as I am concerned. Maybe PETA would like to hear about this little "rodeo" coming up. Good for you for posting this awful treatment of donkeys and getting the attention of some to possibly stop this one event at least.

    ReplyDelete
  20. WendyFromNY6/12/12, 7:35 AM

    Done. From two email accounts. Maybe enough people will make those diehard morons see the light.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Tina6/12/12, 7:39 AM

    I feel sick to my stomach now.

    ReplyDelete
  22. KarenTX6/12/12, 7:41 AM

    Shared on my fb page asking everyone to email/snail mail.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Janet6/12/12, 7:52 AM

    A big old "will do" from me!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Anonymous6/12/12, 7:55 AM

    Sent an email and passed on your post to others that hopefully will too.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Auntie Em6/12/12, 8:12 AM

    Done:

    "Dear Ms. Golden and the Chamber of Commerce:

    I ask for the sake of humane treatment of animals to please eliminate the Donkey Roping event during Van Horn's Frontier Days. No, I'm not one of those PETA kooks... I'm just a little ol' lady in Tennessee who was delighted to hear that Spain has to deal with its economy by having only half the bullfights this year! It would suit me if they did away with all of them.

    Back to donkeys...por favor...please...find some other, kinder, gentler way of earning your "mucho dinero" than putting on a cruel show for the touristas. Might I suggest an antique (or modern) tractor pull with the winner recieving a donated klunker antique fixer-upper tractor as a door prize. The club in our nearest town, Eagleville, TN has earned mucho dinero every year for decades with things such as that. The only animals harmed are deer(e)...John Deere.

    Many of my burrito friends and I thank you for your attention..."

    ReplyDelete
  26. Danni6/12/12, 8:21 AM

    I love Breathe's comment, yet I fear Taryn's comment is spot-on. I have written my email as well as sent it in paper form via snail mail. But, god, I wish I knew how we could truly make a difference and save these precious souls from torture and abuse.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Tombstone Livestock6/12/12, 8:22 AM

    As a Donkey owner, not sure who owns who, I have sent my email.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Wendy W6/12/12, 8:30 AM

    I have also posted this on Facebook and on the Midwest Horse Welfare Foundation's site to get more people to write in. It just makes me sick.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Unknown6/12/12, 8:43 AM

    Just emailed them too!
    Lisa G in TN

    ReplyDelete
  30. Glenna6/12/12, 9:05 AM

    Consider it done! My email is on the way. I totally agree that donkey roping is barbaric and inhumane. We need better laws to protect our animals.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Sandra6/12/12, 9:59 AM

    Taryn please note that asking ten friends to send 10 emails to Patricia Golden and those friends will have 10 friends or acquaintances we can explode this horrific behavior. Mentality can be changed. We charge people very heavy fines in Ontario Canada for leaving their animals in a hot car. They also get their car windows smashed by the police. This didn't happen here before. Laws have been changed by animal rights activists never giving up. It will work I assure you.
    Best always, Sandra

    ReplyDelete
  32. ValerieB6/12/12, 10:11 AM

    I wrote them yesterday and talked a little about how we are waking up, as a species, to the abuses we used to consider "entertainment", ie bullfighting, and mentioned that people in other parts of the world are now doing away with such barbaric and inhumane practices (slowly, I realize, but the dialogue and awareness are there in many places where bullfighting goes back centuries.) I told them they ought to do the same with this horror. Hope it helps...

    ReplyDelete
  33. ValerieB6/12/12, 10:11 AM

    I wrote them yesterday and talked a little about how we are waking up, as a species, to the abuses we used to consider "entertainment", ie bullfighting, and mentioned that people in other parts of the world are now doing away with such barbaric and inhumane practices (slowly, I realize, but the dialogue and awareness are there in many places where bullfighting goes back centuries.) I told them they ought to do the same with this horror. Hope it helps...

    ReplyDelete
  34. John6/12/12, 10:40 AM

    Thanks for the heads up, Carson, and for posting contact info. I wrote a diplomatic email note, hopefully it will help.

    Van Horn is a small TX town, population 2500, not near any large TX towns or cities. Can we find out who sponsors Frontier Days? Pressure on the sponsors will be more effective than pressure on the organizers.

    Also be sure ASPCA and PETA are aware. They have networks of people who would be willing to write to the sponsors and organizers. With some nationwide help, it is quite possible that they could receive more complaints about this event than attendees--that is a great goal.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Anonymous6/12/12, 11:03 AM

    I am sending an email against this practice. Does the Texas Penal Code 42.09 apply at all in this practice? In March of 2009 in Mineral Wells, TX, there was local media attention against events with donkey roping and they mentioned this code which is cruelty to livestock animals. To me, this practice seems very similar to "Equine Tripping" which is banned in the state of TX. The definition of equine in the law includes donkies. I have no experience with any equines, but I love all animals and am against ANY type of cruelty.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Anonymous6/12/12, 11:03 AM

    I am sending an email against this practice. Does the Texas Penal Code 42.09 apply at all in this practice? In March of 2009 in Mineral Wells, TX, there was local media attention against events with donkey roping and they mentioned this code which is cruelty to livestock animals. To me, this practice seems very similar to "Equine Tripping" which is banned in the state of TX. The definition of equine in the law includes donkies. I have no experience with any equines, but I love all animals and am against ANY type of cruelty.

    ReplyDelete
  37. C-ingspots6/12/12, 11:25 AM

    Wow, this just sickens me to think that this kind of barbaric behavior still continues in our country...don't know why it should surprise me though, because the evidence of our country's moral decline just screams. What the hell is wrong with those people? Is it the proximity to Mexico where brutality seems to be the accepted norm?? I will be another small voice for the humane treatment of the donkeys.

    ReplyDelete
  38. OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts6/12/12, 11:27 AM

    XOXO Oma Linda

    ReplyDelete
  39. Anonymous6/12/12, 11:29 AM

    I will definitely contact them as well. Carson, you are probably aware of the practice, but would you consider highlighting the equally heinous practice of "Horse Tripping" at Mexican rodeos on your blog? There are some gruesome videos on YouTube. Anyone who doesn't know what it is can Google it and be horrified and saddened.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Sue from California6/12/12, 11:34 AM

    I read about this on The Dancing Donkey blog and sent an e-mail to the Van Horn, TX Chamber of Commerce.

    Libby Cluett, a staff writer at Mineral Wells Index, wrote a piece on donkey roping in 2009 in her Texas town:

    http://mineralwellsindex.com/local/x154977959/Lashing-out

    Looking around I found many articles, many people who have written letters and am appalled this is an accepted practice and more widespread than just at this event in Van Horn, TX.

    I will continue to spread the word. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Anonymous6/12/12, 11:35 AM

    Sent an email. My family recently moved to Texas and like to attend community events...but do not want to support anything that will cause unnecessary harm to an animal.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Mikey6/12/12, 12:05 PM

    I'll be sending an email too. I do NOT like that this is going on. For the record, I don't like roping cattle either, calves or steers. I think done properly for a purpose is fine (out in the pasture to doctor for instance) but so many people just run them to death and over rope, make bad catches that run a rope into their eyeball. I can't stand it. That goes over real well with the team roping husband, uh huh. Oh well.
    As for roping donkey's, it's barbaric and unnecessary. I've heard every excuse in the book about it, and I still don't like it. I suspect my old Jack has been roped like that before I got him. Never again in his life will that happen. Off to write my email...

    ReplyDelete
  43. Grace6/12/12, 12:06 PM

    I wrote to those bastards, ahem, I mean, well, bastards, yesterday.

    Bastards!

    (Ok, sorry. I really, really don't like donkey ropers.)

    ReplyDelete
  44. Anonymous6/12/12, 12:25 PM

    Just playing devils advocate. I agree that there are some abusive donkey ropings, but just want to share that not ALL of them are bad.

    please read for another view on the topic.

    http://mugwumpchronicles.blogspot.com/2012/06/ears-wide-open-and-mouth-shut-roping.html

    ReplyDelete
  45. janejane6/12/12, 12:31 PM

    Poor Patricia. I'm sure she's busy rolling her eyes, huffing, and blowing today. I sent her a very nice e-mail. I also sent one to Governor Rick Perry. It should be on their forum but danged if I can figure out how to find it. Wonder if he's ever heard of Culberson County? Got a reply thanking me for sharing my opinion with the governor and it would be forwarded to the appropriate staff member. Ah..government at work.

    ReplyDelete
  46. ninergirl046/12/12, 2:22 PM

    Just sent my email protest to the Chamber. I suspect the members of the Chamber have no idea how these donkeys lives are affected by this barbaric practice. I suggested that they take the time to look into it and then realize how harmful it is to these beautiful animals. So sad!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Christina6/12/12, 2:22 PM

    Came over from A Glower Ember. We have 2 beautiful donkey girls at the rescue where I volunteer. They are gentle and kind.

    ReplyDelete
  48. cdncowgirl6/12/12, 2:35 PM

    Anon thanks for linking to mugwump's post.
    I agree that donkey roping as a sport is barbaric, however when done with proper care as a training tool it can increase the value of the donkey (read the mugwump post for more info)
    As with anything to do with animals, some people take good care of their wards and others don't.

    Just to clarify though, they are indeed roping donkeys at this event? I was under the impression that "donkey roping" was just a name because I thought I saw STEERS on the poster.

    Also I would like to remind anyone sending letters/email to please be professional about it so that you aren't dismissed as a "PETA lunatic"

    ReplyDelete
  49. Jan Blawat6/12/12, 2:38 PM

    I will happily do this, I don't have much use for how animals are treated in Texas, specifically the big game farms where rich buttheads spay to blow away zebras, giraffes, and other wildlife. Every small town seems to have at least 2 taxidermy shops and several places where you can rent jeeps with high chairs on the back. Not good.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Christina6/12/12, 2:50 PM

    Email sent and shared on Facebook. Do you know who the sponsors for this event are?

    ReplyDelete
  51. Denise at Autumn Sky6/12/12, 4:03 PM

    This has been passed around on Facebook by a large group. I sent an Email and hope many others will too.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Anonymous6/12/12, 4:15 PM

    Texas seems to be a hideous place that seems to have to respect for animals.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Sheila6/12/12, 4:48 PM

    Thank you for sharing. I just sent a note to the chambers of commerce. Please keep us informed in what is happening.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Anonymous6/12/12, 4:59 PM

    I sent my email... hopefully they will listen.

    Regards,
    Lee Anna
    attnamedboo@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. Mary Ann6/12/12, 5:23 PM

    Done on behalf of Patrick and friends.

    ReplyDelete
  56. kb6/12/12, 7:31 PM

    Another email sent! I will also share with the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada- perhaps they can spread the word too.

    ReplyDelete
  57. The Dancing Donkey6/12/12, 7:37 PM

    This is the contact info for one of the donkey roping promoters...

    Jason Owens

    Dos Gringos Productions

    432-940-9051

    thedollarj@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. Sondra6/12/12, 7:51 PM

    ALL rodeo events are barbaric in my opinion...I will send a note for sure!!

    ReplyDelete
  59. Ikaika6/12/12, 8:54 PM

    Done.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Maery Rose6/12/12, 9:01 PM

    I have never heard of such a thing! How can anyone enjoy watching or participating?

    ReplyDelete
  61. Anonymous6/12/12, 9:39 PM

    another email sent! heather

    ReplyDelete
  62. Tombstone Livestock6/12/12, 11:26 PM

    I sent this on to several on email, my daughter found info and posted on facebook. The article said they use cattle prods on the donkeys ................. here is more info from Horse Plus Humane Society's article..........

    The Van Horn Texas Chamber of Commerce is hosting an event that features donkey Roping.

    Donkey roping is an extremely cruel "sport" where the donkey is shocked with a cattle prod until he tries to run away. Once in motion two people on horseback run the donkey down, one throwing a rope around its neck, the other around its rear legs. Once roped the donkey is then stretched between the two horses. Broken bones and death are all too common during these events.

    Please help by contacting the Van Horn Texas Chamber of Commerce and letting them know how you feel. Call them at 432-283-2043 or by email patriciagolden@vanhorntexas.org

    ReplyDelete
  63. Jala Pfaff6/13/12, 3:34 AM

    Could the ASPCA help, do you think?

    ReplyDelete
  64. Anonymous6/13/12, 6:26 AM

    I don't understand this at all. I never liked the zoo or circus as a child...my affinity for animals was with me from day 1. I always helped turtles cross the streets, moved the roly-poly bugs from the driveway into the grass, and relocated just about any creature that appeared to be in harms way. It is beyond my comprehension that there are people who see this as sport/entertainment, and are willing to hand over their hard earned dollars to see it. The hearts of those who do this for money are so dark as to be a black hole of evil. May they burn in hell for their cruelty to these helpless, exploited gentle creatures.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Leann6/13/12, 10:03 AM

    I sent my email just now. Boy, when I read this post last night I was so angry my entire body got physically hot. I'm also sending prayers upstairs that this cruel event is stopped. Bless you for bringing it to the attention of so many of us animal lovers.
    Warmly,
    Leann

    ReplyDelete
  66. Dorte Sandberg, Denmark6/13/12, 1:34 PM

    I sent a protest to Patricia Golden ... hope that it will help. My heart goes to all the poor donkeys that have lived through this ... and it also goes to you for caring and sharing. Bless you.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Anonymous6/13/12, 2:48 PM

    It's just as bad for the calves and steers and horses. Rodeo is a twisted, cruel, useless sport, designed for yahoos with nothing better to do but laugh at the torment they hand out to helpless beings. e-mail sent.

    ReplyDelete
  68. cdncowgirl6/13/12, 11:35 PM

    I am sorry but I can't help becoming offended by the people slamming ALL RODEO. Barrel racing is a part of rodeo and is NOT cruel, barbaric or useless.
    Before you cast judgement on something as a whole you should consider the other parts.

    ReplyDelete
  69. mrscravitz6/14/12, 10:12 AM

    Voted, Signed petition and sent email!

    ReplyDelete