where do I start? Well, first, I'm talking specifically about the annual Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, which is now. I'm not going to protest it or anything, but I've always just dodged it and the circus with my kids. I tell them it's cruel, give a small example, and we move on.
I went as a child and saw Sonny & Cher!!! I went about 13 years ago just to look at the rabbits - because I'm very involved in house rabbit rescue and adoption, and we wanted to see all the breeds "once." It was grim, but honestly not as bad as I imagined. (except for the "meat pens" - a judging category for rabbits, which just really horrified me, even though I KNOW that people raise rabbits for meat)
Now, I have children who don't know anything about that culture, but love horses. (my uncle breeds and trains quarter horses, mainly for rodeo events, and the girls love to visit his farm) We now have pet chickens (in the city), and we would like to learn a little about the fancy breeds. DH has expressed a desire to go - kids have no idea. However, here is where I put too much thought into it: if we were to go, the kids would want to go to the carnival, and I have a real problem with contributing money to this event, not to mention that I just despise carnivals. I have NO problem discussing the future of the cows or the treatment of the calves, sheep, etc. The kids aren't likely to beg for souvenirs or want another rabbit or anything - I know they will want to sample some junk food and whine about tired feet. I'm pretty sure they would have no interest in the actual rodeo, just the livestock. **I** certainly have no interest in the rodeo!!
We are vegetarian, homeschool, and other very crunchy stuff. We're pretty much brutally honest about animal welfare, but I don't want to be a hypocrite. My dd's are 10, 6, & 1.
thanks
--janis
I went as a child and saw Sonny & Cher!!! I went about 13 years ago just to look at the rabbits - because I'm very involved in house rabbit rescue and adoption, and we wanted to see all the breeds "once." It was grim, but honestly not as bad as I imagined. (except for the "meat pens" - a judging category for rabbits, which just really horrified me, even though I KNOW that people raise rabbits for meat)
Now, I have children who don't know anything about that culture, but love horses. (my uncle breeds and trains quarter horses, mainly for rodeo events, and the girls love to visit his farm) We now have pet chickens (in the city), and we would like to learn a little about the fancy breeds. DH has expressed a desire to go - kids have no idea. However, here is where I put too much thought into it: if we were to go, the kids would want to go to the carnival, and I have a real problem with contributing money to this event, not to mention that I just despise carnivals. I have NO problem discussing the future of the cows or the treatment of the calves, sheep, etc. The kids aren't likely to beg for souvenirs or want another rabbit or anything - I know they will want to sample some junk food and whine about tired feet. I'm pretty sure they would have no interest in the actual rodeo, just the livestock. **I** certainly have no interest in the rodeo!!
We are vegetarian, homeschool, and other very crunchy stuff. We're pretty much brutally honest about animal welfare, but I don't want to be a hypocrite. My dd's are 10, 6, & 1.
thanks
--janis
Not sure what you mean. Are you saying all animals being shown are mistreated? I sure hope not, because this is not always the case.
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