July 29, 2013

Salinas, CA - Animal protection group SHowing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) is calling on the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Monterey County to investigate and bring animal cruelty charges against the California Rodeo in Salinas.  

SHARK president Steve Hindi personally witnessed bulls tormented by individuals who used an aerosol spray can to spray bulls in the face and eyes. The bulls then had glitter poured on them, including in the face and eyes. 

Mr. Hindi has sent a letter to Monterey SPCA Executive Director Gary Tiscornia and Lisa Hoefler, Director of Operations.

"I've been investigating rodeos for twenty years, and I have never seen something like this," says Hindi. "The bulls were clearly agitated and tormented by this abuse. There should be criminal charges, vigorous prosecution and conviction for this outrageous cruelty." 

Full text of the letter is below: 

Dear Mr. Tiscornia,

 

 I was present at 2013 California Rodeo in Salinas. I witnessed bulls sprayed in the face/eyes and body with a substance from a spray can. The bulls then had glitter poured on them, including glitter in the face/eyes. The bulls were obviously upset, and repeatedly tried to escape the torment to which they were subjected. The bulls were then released into a pen with a rodeo clown.

 

 I believe this activity is in violation of Penal Code Title 14. Malicious Mischief - Cruelty to Animals 597.(b)  a person who torments any animal is, for every such offense, guilty of a crime punishable as a misdemeanor or as a felony or alternatively punishable as a misdemeanor or felony and by a fine.  

 

I am requesting an investigation by the Monterey SPCA, followed by appropriate cruelty charges and fines.

 

I look forward to your timely reply.

 

Sincerely, 

 

Steve Hindi, SHARK

 

cc: Lisa Hoefler

 

Contact: Steve Hindi – 630 640 1889