April 2013
After learning that the Chamber of Commerce in a California city had scheduled a “Pee Wee Rodeo”—during which children were to participate in “Goat Ribbon Untying,” where children frantically pursue a goat in an attempt to grab and untie a ribbon attached to the animal’s tail—we sent an e-mail alert asking area residents to speak out. The event would have also included “goat tying,” during which children between the ages of 5 and 9 years were to chase down a goat, flip the animal on his or her back, and tie three of the animal’s legs together. “Mutton bustin’,” in which children climb on a sheep’s back and grab onto the animal as he or she runs from the chute in attempt to stay on the longest, was also on the schedule. Thanks to all who spoke out and to the chamber for its compassionate decision to cancel these events!
