THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 6, 1996 TAG: 9611060007
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A26 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 22 lines
In reference to an Oct. 22 letter, ``No pride in rodeo'': We were unable to go to the African-American rodeo, but in May we did spend two days at the Mesquite rodeo and one day at the celebrity rodeo in Oklahoma. At these rodeos we were seated by the bucking pens, and at no time did we ever see electric prods or jagged metal used to prod the animals. We are serious animal lovers and would not have watched any abusive treatment.
During the day, we met a few of the riders and bullfighters and saw how the animals were kept and taken care of. The worst thing we saw used to control the bulls was a spray of water from a garden hose. The people running the rodeo and appearing in these events are very thoughtful, loving and talented people.
MICHAEL and AUDREY CODY
Elizabeth City, N.C., Oct. 22, 1996 by CNB