The Greeley Tribune
From staff and wire reports
May 30, 2009

CHEYENNE — The new ban of video cameras and other recording devices at Cheyenne Frontier Days is more strict than rules at the Greeley Independence Stampede.

Cheyenne Frontier Days on Friday announced a ban of video cameras and phones with recording features from all rodeo events.

The Stampede, meanwhile, allows the public to take still photos or videos at events, but “if you’re trying to sell images or put them on a Web site, that’s what we’re against,” said Justin Watada, Stampede director of marketing.

The Stampede policy on recording devices is: “Any public display of any photos or video of any Greeley Stampede event, concert or rodeo for public dissemination without express written consent from the Greeley Stampede is strictly prohibited.”

The Stampede, June 25-July 5, posts the policy on park grounds.

Cheyenne Frontier Days General Chairman Charlie West said the new camera-use policy reflects today’s video environment. Still photography cameras are allowed.

But an animal rights group says the policy change is an attempt to block Internet video clips of what it considers animal abuse at Frontier Park.

According to the CFD Web site, the rodeo does not “tolerate, condone or permit actions that abuse animals.” At the same time, it adds, animals and humans may be hurt during rodeo events. Injured animals get immediate veterinary attention, are isolated from further harm and are not used again.