BOSTON - State Representative Adam Scanlon announced he is exploring possible measures to improve public safety for rodeos in the state.
North TV's partners at The Sun Chronicle quoted Scanlon as saying, “This was a dangerous situation, with many individuals in the vicinity of the escaped bulls, bulls freely moving through residential areas where residents could be unaware and the bulls crossing Route 1,” Scanlon said.
“We are lucky this turned out as it did, with minimal damage,” Scanlon said.
“This incident raises serious concerns regarding whether we have sufficient public safety protections to ensure that when such events are put on, they are done safely,” Scanlon said.
My office will be looking into this matter, consulting with various stakeholders and experts, including responsible rodeo operators, and considering steps we can take to ensure operators in this industry operate responsibly given the risks so we can all enjoy such activities without undue risk.”
Scanlon said his office will be looking into legislation regarding minimum operational standards including siting such events, oversight authority, and whether to require notice to local animal control officers, and animal welfare matters, among other issues.
Massachusetts doesn’t have laws regulating rodeos.
