Worcester City Council to Debate Rodeo Ordinance Restricting Animal Equipment
The Worcester City Council is set to debate a proposed ordinance that would ban specific equipment and practices deemed harmful to animals during rodeos held on municipal property, including the DCU Center. The ordinance, drafted by City Solicitor Alexandra Kalkounis, targets items such as flank straps, electric prods, certain spurs, wire tiedowns, and practices like tail twisting and ear pulling. Violators could face fines of up to $300 per offense. This initiative stems from concerns raised by Worcester residents and animal advocates, including the Christian Animal Rights Association and Positive Change for Animals, regarding animal welfare in rodeo events. City Manager Eric Batista has warned that prohibiting flank straps, which are standard in professional bull riding, could effectively end rodeos in Worcester, impacting local businesses that benefit from the events. However, advocates argue that rodeos can adapt without these tools and that other western sporting events, like barrel racing and roping,...
