Cowboy Monkey Rodeo sparks concerns

The Cowboy Monkey Rodeo will ride into Harry Grove Stadium on Friday amid protests and concerns about the act. Animal rights groups claim the event, which involves monkeys riding dogs to herd cattle, is dangerous and demeaning to the primates. "The monkeys are not designed to be in a traveling show. They're designed to be in the forest," said Kelly Myers, a Frederick resident who is planning a protest outside the stadium before the game. But Frederick Keys General Manager Dave Ziedelis said he has checked carefully with other venues and believes the act is safe and tasteful. "We always listen and respond to the community and do our due diligence," he said. "We obviously have not only spoken to the act but to other professional sports teams that have hosted them." Tim Lepard, owner of the Cowboy Monkey Rodeo, says the event is safe and the animals are treated well. But the most serious concern for many activists is that the monkeys are tied to the dogs and forced to participate in the act. Lepard said that's absolutely false. He's heard the complaint so often that he makes a point to pick up a monkey off a dog every show so the public can see that they're not forced to ride. He also heavily pads each dog and puts the more experienced monkeys with the faster dogs. "I don't want the monkey to be afraid," he said. "I put myself in their place." Lepard said the monkeys perform in exchange for Pop-Tarts. "There's something about them Pop-Tarts that the monkeys always like," he said...more

Demeaning to a monkey?

Better stay away from NY City or Mayor Bloomberg will ban Pop Tarts.