May 9, 2000

Governor Jim Geringer
Wyoming State Capitol
Cheyenne, WY 82002

Dear Governor Geringer:

I am writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ more than 600,000 members to ask that you modernize your state’s "bucking bronco" license plate to reflect 21st century understanding of the nature of animals. We are hopeful that when you learn about the lives of animals used in rodeos, you will not wish to promote and glorify these inhumane events on state license plates. Treating "livestock" like mechanical bulls makes Wyoming a laughing stock.

Rodeo events are intentionally violent acts against animals for nothing more than cheap thrills. Animals suffer broken bones, necks, and backs as part and parcel of rodeo events. The extensive physical trauma and psychological terror that the animals experience are obvious. Animals who survive an event with only minor injuries—bruises and the inevitable trauma of being chased, roped, and yanked to the ground by their necks—are rewarded by being forced to participate in the same event just a few days later. Commonly, animals do not receive immediate veterinary attention, even when their injuries are severe. Calves, steers, bulls, and horses who are seriously injured are simply sent to slaughter.

Some rodeo deaths make the news: For example, in Ottawa, Ontario, last August, a horse was killed in front of a horrified crowd when he slammed into a fence during a bucking event. Just days before that, a horse was killed during the bucking-bronco event at the Santa Barbara, Calif., Fiesta Rodeo. This marked the 10th known animal death at a California rodeo since 1995. In 1998’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a steer died and two calves were injured, even though the animals had been "checked" before the first event by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and were declared healthy.

We hope Wyoming will give the "bucking bronco" license plate the boot. We look forward to hearing from you.

Yours truly,


Kristie Sigmon, Coordinator
International Grassroots Campaigns