Death of boy in steer riding accident

Timing, they say, is everything. The attached article describes the death of a nine-year-old little boy in a steer riding accident in Canada Saturday, February 26, 2005.

This unfortunate incident is exactly what we've been talking about for years. I asked the California State Fair Board for a ban on steer riding six months ago, and again at their Board meeting on February 25, 2005 (along all other non-sanctioned PRCA events). Maybe this tragedy will help persuade the Board to change their animal welfare policies for the safety of humans and nonhumans alike.

Let the Fair Board hear from you! And write some Letters to the Editor of your local newspapers. Calls to your state legislators would be helpful, too. Our representatives should be pressuring the Fair to "do the right thing."

Norbert Bartosik, CEO and General Manager
CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR
1600 Exposition Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95815

Thanks. And please send me copies of any letters you write.

For the animals,

Eric Mills, coordinator
ACTION FOR ANIMALS
510/652-5603