Every Animal Is ‘Somebody Like You’—PETA Urges Keith Urban to Skip Rodeos

Published by Elena Waldman.
2 min read

Listen up, Keith Urban: Cruel ain’t your color. It’s high time you hit “skip” on abusive rodeos.

Horses running through field, Keith Urban in orange circle

Keep the Roadies; Leave the Rodeos

Ahead of Keith Urban’s scheduled performance at the California Rodeo Salinas, PETA sent him our empathy kit containing a much-needed practical guide for kind living along with a letter urging him to stop supporting the abuse of cows, calves, horses, and other animals used in rodeos, pointing out that these animals deserve the same respect and compassion as the country singer’s beloved animal companions.

What’s Wrong With Rodeos?

During rodeo events such as calf roping, bull riding, and steer wrestling, humans routinely zap animals with electric “hotshots,” slam calves to the ground, and painfully spur horses. Animals used in rodeos have sustained severe and sometimes fatal injuries, including broken backs and necks, heart attacks, punctured lungs, deep internal organ bruising, ripped tendons, and aneurysms. When animals become too old or worn out to be exploited in rodeos, they’re often sent to slaughterhouses.

calf roping at a rodeo

Every Animal Is ‘Somebody Like You’

Our fellow animals are unique individuals who feel pain, love, and fear—but unlike humans, they don’t choose to participate in these cruel spectacles. Wild horses gallop through open grasslands alongside their close herd members, and mother cows, when left to their own devices, protect and nurture their precious calves. Steer clear of rodeos, and if one comes to your town, contact local authorities, write letters to sponsorsleaflet at the gate, or hold a demonstration. Contact PETA for help:

Help PETA Give a ‘Better Life’ to Our Fellow Animals

PETA’s work for animals don’t mean nothin’ without our conscientious supporters. Share our empathy guide with your friends and family to learn more about how you can turn compassion into action:

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