PETA to protest Lost Dutchman Days rodeo in A.J.

The group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals pledges that it will focus its efforts on issues that involve the largest numbers of animals, suffering the most intensely, for the longest periods of time.

The animal rights group will focus this weekend on Apache Junction — whether or not its presence is welcomed by the community.

Today, fewer than 10 of PETA’s 1.6 million members are planning to protest what they consider the inhumane treatment of rodeo animals at the Lost Dutchman Days festival, as well as the business practices of KFC restaurants.

PETA is planning a threepronged effort: Members will hand out pamphlets at the Lost Dutchman Days parade along Apache Trail, picket a KFC at 3051 W. Apache Trail and stage a protest at the Apache Junction Rodeo Park.

Nicole Matthews, a national PETA spokeswoman, said that despite the organization’s wide scope, its members could still effectively deliver their message to Apache Junction residents.

“I’m from a small town, too, and I definitely understand that in different cities, people have a different perspective,” she said. “But to encourage people to look at animals with compassion is something we ... do, no matter where they are.”

PETA promised there would be no nakedness at the Apache Junction protests.

The group often uses extreme measures to bring attention to its cause, including members baring their bodies to protest the use of animal parts to make clothing.

Meanwhile, City Councilman Joseph Severs said a rodeo is to be expected in what is arguably the East Valley’s most Western town. PETA members are welcome to voice their opinions in Apache Junction, but the message will likely fall on deaf ears, he said.

“Out of all places possible to have a protest, this has the least effect for them,” he said.

Jackie Koltin, a 53-year-old Apache Junction resident and local PETA spokeswoman, said it was time for residents to move away from entertainment at the expense of animals. Rodeo animals suffer greatly during the events, and sometimes they even die, she said.

“It’s just archaic. They used to do it in olden times, because they were bored,” Koltin said. “Now we have all kinds of things to do. We don’t need to cause animals to suffer.”

Apache Junction is home to the Superstition Horseman’s Association, a nonprofit organization committed to preserving equestrian culture in the city. Chip Wilson, a Horseman’s Association spokesman, said rodeos were a safe environment for animals.

Riders and rodeo animals also share a rare bond, he said.

“They’re looking for people that aren’t really involved with animals and don’t know the whole story,” Wilson said.

Today’s protest at KFC is part of PETA’s international campaign against the purveyor of fried chicken, which has more than 11,000 restaurants in more than 80 countries and territories around the world, according to KFC’s Web site.

PETA’s Web site noted that “Chickens raised for KFC suffer from the day they are born until the day they are killed.”

Representatives of Kentucky-based KFC on Friday didn’t return phone calls seeking comment.

Matthews said PETA hopes to persuade KFC to adopt more humane practices when it slaughters chickens.