Suicide Erasers Update
Thanks to efforts of the PAWS Suicide Erasers and concerned individuals the world over, there has been a tremendous outpouring of concern for the horses forced to run in the Suicide Race. Wal-Mart and Crown Royal have withdrawn their cash sponsorship of the Omak Stampede and Suicide Race. Pace Picante Sauce, Coors Beer, Wrangler and U.S. Smokeless Tobacco (UST) have also contacted PAWS to let us know they do not support or condone the Suicide Race but that they are bound to sponsorship of the Omak Stampede and Suicide Race through national agreements with the Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association (PRCA), the "NASCAR" of rodeo.

This partnership with the PRCA puts companies like Pace, Coors, Wrangler and UST in a sticky situation. The PRCA officially sanctions the Omak Stampede and attempts to deflect the glare of criticism by falsely claiming the Omak Stampede and World Famous Suicide Race are two separate events. The PRCA has released statements claiming the Suicide Race is run by the Colville Confederated Tribes but documentation from Omak Stampede, Inc., confirms the tribes assist in running the event by providing a veterinarian. They do not produce or manage the event.

As listed on Omak Stampede Inc.'s web site, the Omak Stampede PRCA Rodeo and Suicide Race take place at 7pm, August 11-14. The official merchandise, logos and letterhead of the Omak Stampede feature the Suicide Race. The press release announcing results of the 2004 Suicide Race is issued by Omak Stampede, Inc. on paper with header that reads Omak Stampede, Inc., a drawing of horses running down a steep cliff and adjacent text that reads "Featuring the World Famous Suicide Race." Even though three horses died in the event, the press release leads with the boast "The first of four rolls in the 2004 World Famous Suicide Race was one of the best individual races ever, as 15 horses made into the arena with riders aboard." A copy of this press release is available on the Suicide Erasers web site at www.paws.org/outreach/campaigns/Omak_release.pdf.

To claim that these are two separate events is ridiculous. Omak Stampede, Inc., must provide proof that it is unaffiliated with the Suicide Race. Until they do so sponsors like Pace, Coors, Wrangler and UST, along with the PRCA, will be known as corporations that knowingly finance an event that kill animals.

We are asking the PRCA to withdraw its sanction of the Omak Stampede and World Famous Suicide Race until Omak Stampede, Inc. agrees to cancel the Suicide Race permanently. We are not asking that the rodeo events be discontinued. Please contact the PRCA and ask that it withdraw its sanction and ask sponsors to insist the same. Contact information can be found at www.paws.org/outreach/campaigns/omak_sponsor.php

Thank you so much for the incredible support you have given to get this campaign off the ground. In 2005, there is no excuse for such an event to exist, much less be supported and encouraged. The Suicide Race is not scheduled until August. Working together, we still have the time and the power to shut it down for good!

P.S. Read more about our efforts in today's Seattle Times!
seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002352854_omak30m.html

'PAWS' Bill Introduced in U.S. Legislature - Finally, Regulations for Kitten and Puppy Mills!
The Pet Animal Welfare Statute, PAWS, addresses the growing problem of unregulated dog and cat breeding in the U.S. PAWS requires breeders who sell directly to the public and who raise seven or more litters of dogs or cats each year to be licensed by the USDA. This is a crucial step toward providing basic protections for thousands of dogs and cats bred each year for the pet trade. Please ask your U.S. Senators and Representative to co-sponsor the Pet Animal Welfare Statute.

Seattle International Beerfest - Helping PAWS Help Animals July 1-3!
The generous folks at the Seattle International Beerfest have invited PAWS to be one of the lucky recipients of the proceeds from their lively "over the top" event this weekend, July 1-3. The Seattle International Beerfest takes place at Seattle Center's Mural Amphitheatre and celebrates the world's most legendary brewing styles and the nations that made them famous. Come taste over 100 world-class beers from more than 15 countries! Dogs are welcome and remember- proceeds support PAWS so you don't need an excuse to get out and do a little extra celebrating this weekend. Click here for all the details!

All rights reserved. ©2005 Progressive Animal Welfare Society