Dear Mr. Urban:

We understand you are scheduled to headline the Salinas California Rodeo in July, an event anticipated by many for its entertainment value. However, we implore you to reconsider your participation in light of the significant ethical concerns associated with rodeo events and their impact on the animals involved.

Rodeos, while traditional and culturally significant in many communities, often subject animals to stress, fear, and potential harm. The practices involved, including roping, riding, and the use of spurs and bucking straps, can lead to physical and psychological trauma for the animals, akin to the distress and discomfort we would observe in our family pets under similar conditions. Just as our pets, these animals are capable of fear, pain, and suffering. They, too, seek comfort, safety, and kindness from those around them.

Imagine, for a moment, the pets that you cherish and hold dear within your own family. The thought of subjecting them to the loud noises, crowds, and physical demands typical of a rodeo environment is unsettling. It contradicts the care, love, and protection we extend to them as cherished family members. This parallel draws a poignant picture of the plight of animals in rodeos, urging us to question the practices we support and promote through our actions and endorsements.

Your voice and presence carry immense influence. By choosing not to perform at the rodeo, you have the power to send a compelling message advocating for compassion, empathy and change. It is an opportunity to stand up for those without a voice, to align your remarkable platform with the values of kindness and respect for all living beings.

We understand this is a complex issue, intertwined with tradition and entertainment. Still, we believe in the capacity for growth, change, and the evolution of our entertainments to be inclusive of ethical considerations towards all beings. Your decision to step back from this event could catalyze a broader discussion and reevaluation of rodeo events and animal welfare in general.

We hold the utmost respect for your artistic integrity and your commitment to using your platform for positive impact. Together, we can pave the way for a kinder, more compassionate world.