By Bob Katzen
Would require that any rodeos comply with the rules, regulations, standards and practices established by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association.
“I filed this bill because Massachusetts has no standards for rodeos unlike many other states, a fact which came to light after the incident last fall when seven bulls escaped from a traveling exhibition in North Attleboro and crossed Route 1 into residential neighborhoods,” said sponsor Rep. Adam Scanlon (D-North Attleboro). “I like that North Attleboro is a venue for all types of entertainment. Variety is the spice of life, after all. We just need to make sure that standards are met for public safety as well as for animal welfare.”
I appreciate Rep. Scanlon’s balanced approach—supporting diverse entertainment options while also prioritizing public safety and animal welfare. Setting standards based on established rodeo practices feels like a sensible move, especially in light of last fall’s bull escape incident.