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Rodeos are filled with events that are inherently cruel to their unconsenting participants, but “wild cow milking” might be one of the most offensive — and it's still taking place in California at the Rowell Ranch Rodeo during the third weekend in May. Urge officials in Alameda County to bring these abusive spectacles to an end once and for all.

Rodeo events are strictly designed for entertainment and are nothing more than displays of human domination over other animals for human ego gratification. From roping to barrel racing few of these events resemble the actualities of cattle ranching, but some of them are particularly egregious, such as wild cow milking. During this event, a mother cow is separated from her calf, put in an arena, and typically chased by two or more men; one on a horse who lassos her, and others on the ground who try to wrestle her into submission so someone can milk her — all while she runs in terror trying to escape.

Not only is this ridiculous and extremely abusive, but it's also dangerous and can prove deadly. In 2004, a cow was euthanized after breaking a leg at the Livermore Rodeo, and another was euthanized in 2008 after breaking her neck while she attempted to escape by jumping over a fence at the Rowell Ranch Rodeo Park.

Despite widespread support for a ban on wild cow milking, last year the Hayward Area Recreation District (HARD) declined to do anything, and it's all about to happen again this month at Rowell Ranch, which is owned and operated by HARD.

Sadly, many other animals are also abused, injured, and killed at rodeos. From torn muscles and ligaments to damaged tracheas, and hemorrhaging to broken necks, backs and bones, rodeos cause immense suffering to animals. They also send a dangerous message to children that brutalizing animals is a legitimate form of entertainment.

In 2019, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors took an amazing step by banning mutton busting, a cruel event where children jump on and ride terrified sheep. There's no better time to do the same for some of the other most egregious rodeo events. Join us and our friends at Action for Animals to end the violence of wild cow milking at Rowell Ranch and other brutal rodeo events taking place in Alameda County.

Letter 1 to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: End Support of Wild Cow Milking & Other Abusive Rodeo Events in Alameda County

I’m writing to express my dismay that your department continues to support and allow the animal cruelty inherent in rodeos on your grounds. It is unfathomable that in 2022, events are still allowed to take place in which animals are brutalized and seriously and fatally injured. There is no realm in which this can be considered family entertainment.
 
From roping to barrel racing, few of these events resemble the actualities of ranching, but some of them are particularly egregious, such as wild cow milking. During this event, a mother cow is separated from her calf, put in an arena, and chased by two men; one on a horse who lassos her, and another on the ground who tries to wrestle her into submission so his partner can milk her — all while she runs terrified trying to escape. This event has twice resulted in the tragic deaths of the cows who were used. 
 
It is time for a civilized society to replace archaic brutality with resources that lend themselves to kindness, encourage the best of humane traits, and teach children that harming animals is not a valid form of entertainment. 

A better plan would be to convert Rowell Ranch into a farmed animal sanctuary and education center for children and their families, where people could slow down and enjoy the company of animals, which would spread compassion instead of cruelty and exploitation. I strongly urge you to insist on this transformation.

Thank you for your kind consideration.

Sincerely,

Signed

Letter 2 to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: End Support of Wild Cow Milking & Other Abusive Rodeo Events in Alameda County

I’m writing to express my dismay that the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, the group of trusted elected representatives of Alameda County, continues to condone rodeo violence.

It is unfathomable that in 2022 events in which animals are brutalized and seriously and fatally injured can in any realm be considered family entertainment. From roping to barrel racing, few of these events resemble the actualities of ranching, but some of them are particularly egregious, such as wild cow milking. During this event, a mother cow is separated from her calf, put in an arena, and chased by two men; one on a horse who lassos her, and another on the ground who tries to wrestle her into submission so his partner can milk her — all while she runs in terror trying to escape. This event has twice resulted in the tragic deaths of the cows who were used.

In 2019, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors took an amazing step by banning mutton busting. There’s no better time to do the same for other rodeo events.

A better plan would be to take this opportunity to promote wholesome family entertainment by converting Rowell Ranch into a farmed animal sanctuary and education center for children and their families. This could be a lovely location where people could slow down and enjoy the company of animals, which would spread compassion instead of cruelty and exploitation. I strongly urge you to envision and begin this transformation.

Thank you for your kind consideration.

Sincerely,

Signed

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