Group slams use of shock devices on CNFR horses

The Associated Press
June 18, 2010

 

 (AP) — CASPER, Wyo. - An animal-rights group has posted a video showing horses being shocked with electric prods at the College National Finals Rodeo. The event's stock contractor says the prods were used within rodeo rules.

Illinois-based Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) says it filmed the video Thursday during bareback-riding competition.

The video shows a man with a handheld prod shocking the necks of three horses as their rides began. SHARK calls the practice painful and cruel.

Kirsten Vold, general manager of the Harry Vold Rodeo Company, says rodeo rules allow the use of shock devices on animals that stall in the chute to encourage them out. She says prods are used on only a small number of horses.

The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association said Friday the use of prods is acceptable when a horse stalls in a bucking chute.

Online: http://www.youtube.com/user/SHARKonlineorg