It is important for the rodeo community in North America to unite at this time and work together for the continued success of the sport. There are many things all rodeo committees, PRCA members and rodeo fans can do to further our industry in the U.S.

Here are some action items:
1.  Rodeo Committees should appoint ONE person to deal with animal issues and refer all queries to that person. PRCA has information to assist that person in preparing. All volunteers, committee members, etc should know to refer to that Animal Welfare Spokesperson.
2.  Issue WRITTEN statements on controversial issues, not hold press conferences or interviews if possible. Contact PRCA Animal Welfare Coordinator Cindy Schonholtz anytime on the cell at 719-440-7255 if you have issues you need guidance.
3.  Rodeo Committees can work proactively with elected officials in their town, county and state. Invite them to your event, put them on your mailing list, make sure they understand your event and those involved. Putting a face on your local rodeo and the community projects you support is very important.
4.  Contestants can be advocates for the sport. If you witness what you feel is inappropriate animal care, please report it to the judges. Prepare yourself for media interviews to tell your story and the story of rodeo, the PRCA can help with preparing you. When asked by a Rodeo Committee to interview, be gracious and work it in your schedule if possible.
5.  Reach out. The PRCA has animal welfare booklets and other information that can be placed in schools, libraries and used in conjunction with presentations at service clubs and schools.
6.  Keep the PRCA updated on issues in your community.
7.  Rodeo Committees should be proactive with local media by introducing them to stock contractors and contestants to tell the real story of animal care at rodeo, being prepared to answer questions about the animal care at their local rodeo and referring questions about PRCA to the PRCA office.
8.  Rodeo Committees should be prepared for animal rights activists. Let local law enforcement know the tactics possible and call them IMMEDIATELY if there is an issue, let them handle protestors if possible. At Cloverdale, activists entered the arena unfurling banners, have plans for this and other possible actions to address professionally, swiftly and with as much disruption as possible.
9.  Committees - review all animal welfare policies and procedures. Have a written plan for animal injuries and have copies made for all involved, practice this procedure. Make sure your vet is available immediately, insure the conveyance for injured animals is immediately available, insure your announcer knows exactly how you will handle an injury and make a written, truthful statement is prepared to distribute immediately to those with questions.