Monday, June 15, 1998

Glorifying rodeos

Most compassionate people will not tolerate abuse of any living animal. Why then do we tolerate the horrible abuse of rodeo animals?

While the human participants voluntarily risk injury by participating, the animals are given no such choice.

Calves and goats roped when running up to 27 miles an hour have their necks snapped back by the lasso, often resulting in neck and back injuries, bruises, broken bones, and internal hemorrhages. Some become paralyzed from severe spinal cord injury, or their tracheas may be totally or partially severed. They are used only one time and then returned to ranches or are destroyed due to injuries.

Bucking horses often develop back problems and leg injuries. The repeated pounding and jumping up and down can cause a tendon to break down. The bulls are physically provoked into displaying "wild" behavior to make the cowboys look brave.

Electric prods, sharp sticks and caustic ointments are used to irritate and enrage the animals. The "bucking" strap is used to make horses and bulls buck. It is tightly cinched around their abdomens where there is no rib cage protection.

The belt is tightened near the large and small intestines. It pinches the groin and genitals to inflict pain on the animal, and this is why the poor creature is bucking violently.

Let's not glorify rodeos.

DIANE MEIER

Abilene

Via e-mail

Firefighters praised

We want to express our gratitude to the many firefighters and volunteers who helped battle the fire near our home May 29.

At least seven fire departments assisted - Lawn, Tuscola, ECCA, Buffalo Gap, Oplin, Potosi and Abilene. In addition, we had at least one truck from Joe T. Smith and three from Norris and Norris, Inc., out of Abilene.

Your dedication and determination are considered gifts to those whose lives and property you protect.

We arrived home to find volunteers standing on our house and watering our roof, our yard and moving farm equipment and fuel tanks out of the danger area. Each of you made it possible for us to arrive at Lara's high school graduation on time, participate in the all-night party for our graduates and return to the security of our home.

We want to encourage this community to "dig deep" in supporting our local fire departments. And we join you in keeping the Cox family in our thoughts and prayers in the days to come.

GENE YOST

Ovalo

Gasoline prices

In reference to the June 9 article by Scott Scholten concerning gas prices:

His conclusion that locals should have little concern about collusion among Abilene dealers is questionable.

I would be much more comfortable about this question if the state attorney general had investigated prices in Abilene and made that conclusion.

BILLIE NORWOOD

Abilene

Go-cart delight

As a go-cart fan who has driven go-carts in New York, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida and North Carolina, the track at Spinner'Z is the finest, best-organized track I have ever driven.

My sons and I, as well as all our friends, highly recommend it as pure family entertainment and one you will remember for a long time. The owner, Tina Rogers, and the entire staff were the most gracious of any we've seen in the country.

RON GIBBS

Bay Shore, N.Y.