Rodeo Sues Animal Activists over Matchbox Twenty Concert Cancellation

An animal welfare group that was able to convince rock group Matchbox Twenty to cancel a performance at a rodeo.

Omaha, Neb.-based Romeo Entertainment Group filed the lawsuit last week in federal court in Cheyenne against SHARK, which stands for Showing Animals Respect and Kindness, and its president, Steve Hindi.

The lawsuit accuses Hindi and SHARK, which is based in far west suburban Geneva, of using ''false and misleading information'' and ''threats of negative publicity'' to try to get entertainers to cancel their performances at the rodeo.

This sounds like baloney. Whether you agree with rodeos or not, I don't think they can win a suit against someone for convincing someone else not to perform. Sue the group for breach of contract if that's what they did.

Here is a link to Matchbox Twenty's site explaining their cancellation (click on the Cheyenne Frontier Days label).

Here is link to band member Rob Thomas' foundation Sidewalk Angels, that helps on animal and homeless issues. Warning, they have a flash intro screen. Sigh. Still it's worth a look.

New Zealand Mayor Calls for End to Rodeos

After recently witnessing the Wanaka Rodeo in New Zealand, John Banks, the Mayor of Auckland, wants to see rodeos banned in the country. I like the eloquence of his statement below.

"Teasing and distressing of these sentient animals for entertainment is unacceptable, undignified and wrong and if we look into our heart most people will agree with me. Someone has got to condemn what is wrong if we are to teach our children what is right. I hope those who witnessed the rodeo will give some thought to the cruelty the animals suffered for their pleasure," he said.

I also liked this statement from the SPCA.

SPCA chief executive Bob Kerridge said he was not in favour of rodeos, which were designed only for human entertainment.

"It's using animals for entertainment purposes and often it's to their detriment. Although they may well say they have animal welfare policies in place it still doesn't negate the situation that here you have grown men trying to be macho over animals and for what purpose other than self-gratification?"

Macho, huh? Perfect wording.

Photo by spacetrig.