As a person who loves and respects animals, I was shocked and appalled when I found out what calf roping was, even more so when I learned that it was not illegal. Cows are incredibly sensitive, intelligent, and social creatures, and it is horrible that so many are subject to the trauma that comes with calf roping. The fact that the practice of calf roping, a practice that is inherently cruel and distressing for the calves involved, is not uncommon in the Chelan county community is greatly distressing.

Calf roping is a traditional rodeo event that involves a person on horseback chasing down a young cow and capturing it with a lasso. The person then dismounts the horse and forces the calf to the ground so they can tie up three of its legs. As one can imagine, this event causes a lot of stress for this defenseless animal and puts it at a high risk of injury and death. According to a statement by Dr. Peggy W. Larson that was published in the American Veterinary Medical Association website, televised calf ropings do not show the frightened calf being yanked sharply to the ground by a lariat in order to accommodate viewers who are troubled by the sight. I believe it goes without saying that if an event needs to be censored due to its cruel nature, it shouldn’t exist to begin with.

Therefore, I urge our local government in Chelan County, Washington, USA, to heed our collective plea for animal welfare by banning calf roping practices. By doing so, we can protect these gentle beings from unnecessary harm and stress, and uphold the value we place on animal welfare in our community.

Sign this petition and join me in creating a safer and more compassionate community for all residents - human and bovine alike.