I purchased tickets recently to go and see the Dolly Parton Dixie Stampede- Dinner & a show. I thought I was purchasing tickets to see people doing acrobatic stunts- I was wrong and take full responsibility for not doing my research before I purchased these tickets. When I entered the Stampede I was immediately horrified. I witnessed horses jumping through rings of fire who had to be circled around multiple times because the “rider” could not get them to jump through it. I put rider in quotes because they aren’t real riders, not one person riding that day had any connection whatsoever with their horse. She ultimately forced those horses to jump through that ring of fire. I witnessed pig racing. I saw buffalo in the ring of the Stampede who are by the way a nearly threatened species. I saw cows who were scared to death. Every single animal I saw in that Stampede looked absolutely miserable. There were no signs of physical neglect, but instead signs of the horses being unhappy & angry which in my opinion is indeed neglect. There are no pastures or fields located anywhere around the Stampede. These animals get no time for grazing. The second the show was over they were put right back in their tiny stable. I have never witnessed something like this and am ashamed that I purchased these tickets. After witnessing what I saw I called the Stampede the very next day and every time I asked about the pastures and where these animals were allowed to graze I was redirected every single time. No one has an answer because they know it is ultimately inhumane and just downright cruel. I was an equestrian for years, I know the signs of a horse that is angry or unhappy. Every single horse had their ears back and eyes bulging out of their faces due to stress. I am starting this petition to ensure that the USDA takes meaningful enforcement action that deters violations of the AWA. I don’t consider coddling abusive exhibitors who consider animals’ pin and suffering a mere “cost of business” and neither should anyone else.

“ The Horse Protection Act is a federal law that prohibits sored horses from participating in shows, exhibitions, sales or auctions. The Horse Protection Act also prohibits the transportation of sored horses to or from any of these events.
Soring is a cruel and inhumane practice used to accentuate a horse’s gait. It is accomplished by irritating or blistering a horse’s forelegs with chemical irritants (such as mustard oil) or mechanical devices. 

Walking horses are known for possessing a naturally smooth gait, but in order to be more successful in competitions their gait will often be exaggerated.” 

Why do horses have to have sores / be hurt before action is taken? 

AWA- Animal Welfare Act

USDA- U.S. Department of Agriculture

“The AWA went into effect in 1966 and has only been amended a handful of times since. One modification can take years—if not decades.”

“Congress has shown little inclination or interest in making meaningful changes to the AWA. Even getting the USDA to enforce the AWA as it stands is challenging. Birds have been protected under the AWA since 2002, for example, yet the USDA has yet to bring a single enforcement action on behalf of birds, even though many are suffering greatly and some have died.”

I am passionate about this and not only about protecting horses in shows but also any other animal that is under big lights, in an arena, with people yelling and clapping at them. Animals have no say in this. It is cruel. 

Please sign this petition to help me not only make changes to the AWA, but as well as to bring an awareness of this to the USDA. Ultimately let’s shut Dolly Parton Dixie Stampede down. 

Signing this petition will only do so much. If you want to get more involved post comments on The Dixie Stampede Trip Advisor, Post on their Facebook Page, Post a Google Review,  Email the Dolly Parton Dixie Stampede with complaints, Call the Stampede and challenge them. If you want to do more keep talking about this. Share this information with friends, family, and even strangers. Don’t purchase tickets to The Stampede and don't allow your friends or family to purchase tickets either. Do not support the Dolly Parton Dixie Stampede, it is a circus.