Under pressure, the Cotia Rodeo was a flop

The pressure exerted by animal protectors and environmentalists from the Cotia region, along with everyone who contributed towards protesting against the rodeo effectively produced some good results. The most important of them was that none of the equipment used disrespected the technical specifications, which avoided physical injuries to the animals. Only two or three animals showed wounds, which occurred outside of the arena. And the cursed lasso contests, capable of killing the poor calves, did not take place.

All of this information will be included in the veterinarian’s expert report. This veterinarian, also an animal protector, was present, at our request, during all of the sessions examining and closely monitoring all of the activities. Another positive result of the protest was the contracting by part of the event’s organizers of a veterinarian registered in the rodeos federation. His presence along with the veterinarian-protectionist was a decisive factor to ensure that the animals were not abused or mistreated – even though, obviously, they could not avoid the stress provoked by the situation, which also causes them suffering.

The lack of public was equally positive. The City Hall authorities’ spending of public money to build a special events arena destined to host the 11^th edition of the Cotia Rodeo was in vain. Their communication strategy, which included advertising using cars with mounted rooftop speakers, web site, billboards, banners and other media, also failed to produce the desired results. The public of 100,000 people expected by the organizers simply did not appear. Very few spectators watched the rodeos. Not even the City Hall inspectors – who should be there on duty – showed up.

We hope that as a result of the generalized protests and the lack of interest by part of the population, the Cotia Rodeo ceases to exist. This is simply a matter of good common sense. But if common sense fails to prevail, we are prepared to carry onwards with our efforts by means of the petition and the lawsuit that is already moving forward in Justice until the rodeo is definitely removed from the city’s schedule of events.

We want to express our gratitude to the thousands of people (worldwide) and the local media who supported our fight in defense of the animals. We send you all a big hug and all our affection, from the bottom of our hearts.