Rodeo Ordinance
An ordinance banning the use of tools safely used in agriculture, equestrian, ranching and rodeo activities has been introduced by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. Those of us in agriculture know firsthand the enormous amount of attention and handling that is involved in taking care of our animals and why the proposed ordinance will do more harm than good.
If this policy is allowed to go forward, we will lose the very tools such as spurs, flank straps and tied ropes that help us do our jobs safely. Jeopardizing the welfare of the animals and riders/handlers alike.
The Board of Supervisors has taken it upon themselves to develop new policy without any input from veterinarians, animal owners, ranchers and other industry experts. They haven’t even asked the committees of experts they appointed for this very purpose, including their MAC and Ag committees, to review the proposed policy. It has just been put on the agenda for a vote at their September 20 meeting without any expert input.
Those of us involved in agriculture, ranching, equestrian and rodeo in our County don’t always do a very good job of telling our story. We’re often stepped on by others who think they know more about our way of life and how to handle livestock than those of us who do it every day. We care about all of our animals and always make sure their welfare is our first consideration.
Please help us encourage the Supervisors to listen to us, and their own committees of experts.
Sincerely,
–Russ Fields,
Lifelong Alameda County Cattleman and President of the Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo All Volunteer Committee
Supervisor David Haubert - District 1: (510) 272-6691 / david.haubert@acgov.org
Supervisor Richard Valle - District 2: (510) 272-6692 / Richard.valle@acgov.org
Supervisor Dave Brown - District 3: (510) 272-6693 / dave.brown@acgov.org
Supervisor Nate Miley - District 4: (510) 272-6694 / NMD4@acgov.org
Supervisor Keith Carson - District 5: (510) 272-6695 / kcarson@acgov.org
