Every year Sweetwater, Texas holds an event that has animal rights advocates picking their jaws up off the floor. This event is called the “Rattlesnake Roundup,” and it has been responsible for the celebratory massacre of countless rattlesnakes since 1958.
A petition on Care2 states there is zero scientific backing for the mass-killing of these snakes, whose populations are naturally regulated in the wild. There are no limits on how many snakes hunters are allowed to kill, which Care2 cites as a reason why some rattlesnake species are in such harsh decline.
The method with which these hunters “round up” the rattlesnakes further worsens the problem. According to the petition, gasoline is poured down the snakes’ winter dens, which affects the surrounding earth, water, and around 350 local wildlife species. To add insult to injury, after these animals are “rounded up,” they are presented before loud crowds who cheer while the snakes are mercilessly beheaded with machetes. Hunters who bring in the most and biggest snakes are rewarded with cash prizes, giving incentive to greedy people to kill as many snakes as they can for a moment of pitiful glory.
If you are as appalled as we are by this inhumane practice, please take a moment to sign this petition addressed to Texas Governor Greg Abbott demanding an end to the “Rattlesnake Roundup.” The senseless murder of innocent animals should never be considered entertainment, and it is up to the public to speak out for the voiceless and protect animals who are brutally targeted. Please be sure to share this story with your network — the power to end animal cruelty begins with public education and awareness.
Image Source: Care2 / Isaiah L.
im in favor of killing all rattlesnakes
Me too, they are no good however you look at them. Live in Arizona with small kids who can\’t play outside with the knowledge those slimy sods are there…waiting. A good Rattlesnake is a dead one.
These animals are not senselessly slaughtered. Someone needs to do more research. I\’ve been to the Rattlesnake Roundup. The snakes\’ venom is milked so that antivenin can be made which saves lives. The meat is eaten by people who come to the event. The skins are used for boots and belts, and the rattles are used for keychains and trinkets. Almost every part of the snake is used, not wasted. And in West Texas rattlesnakes are not in short supply. Rounding them up helps control the population and saves the lives of ranchers and their livestock.