VIDEO: Eight Terrified Bulls Plow Through Fence to Escape Rodeo

Eight bulls escaped from a rodeo, plowed through a chain-link fence, and fled into a wooded area in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, on September 22. Dramatic video footage shows rodeo patrons running from the frightened bulls:

By the end of the day, the local fire department had recaptured all but one of the animals. After being on the loose for more than 24 hours, the eighth bull was recaptured the following day.

Bullied Bulls Deserve Kindness

Bulls escape rodeos almost every year, proving that these events are dangerous for all animals. But unlike the humans in attendance, bulls don’t choose to be there.

Every animal is someone, and bulls and all other animals deserve respect and kindness. They’re living, feeling beings with unique personalities and a desire to live in peace.

Rodeo performers often beat, kick, and shock normally docile bulls and other animals in holding pens—abuse they inflict to provoke bulls’ instinct to run from harm. It’s no wonder that bulls are frantic by the time they’re released into arenas and that they’ve injured humans many times in their panic. The animals who aren’t killed during these events often still meet a vicious death: When they’re too old or worn out to continue “performing,” “retirement” often means a one-way trip to a slaughterhouse.

Never support rodeos, bull riding, or any other activity that exploits animals. If a rodeo comes to your town, write letters to sponsors, leaflet outside the gate, or hold a demonstration. Contact PETA for help, too.