Citizen Complaints. With complaint responses, cooperation and resolution for animal welfare is the primary goal. When that fails via refusal to correct unacceptable or illegal animal conditions, a whole different round of approaches is triggered, including evidence gathering, citations, possible Search Warrant executions, animal welfare seizures, writing up reports for prosecution, monitoring, etc. And that’s just one aspect of HSSF’s work.

Abusive Event. HSSF followed up on a citizen cruelty complaint involving the treatment of bulls in regularly occurring weekend public “Bull-riding” events. In this case, “Jaripeo” events (bull riding that is slightly different from American rodeo bull riding) were being held at an arena in Rio Linda. HSSF attended one weekend and was appalled at the callous and cruel animal treatment. With no monitoring, lots of alcohol flowing among event workers, contestants, and audience, there was little-to-no concern--not only for bulls (tied with short leads to posts for hours with no shelter or access to water) but also for horses that were constantly whipped to “dance” in 99° heat. HSSF video recorded and documented the obvious, extensive abuse of the animals. A DVD copy was given to each of the Rio Linda Recreation and Parks District’s (RLRPD) Board of Directors (who oversee the venue operations), and they were asked during multiple meetings and written correspondence to adopt regulations to stop the abuse. To date, the RLRPD Board is not dealing with the issue or changing contract language to protect animals from abuse. There should be minimal standards of care written into all venue-rental contracts that involve animals, with stipulations that the events shall be monitored and halted immediately if specific animal welfare conditions are not met. Stay tuned.

Soring. HSSF submitted written comments and participated in the federal USDA’s hearing held in Sacramento on the horrific practice known as “soring” of Tennessee Walking horses. Next page