Video: Bull Used for Human ‘Entertainment’ Stomps Rodeo Rider to Death
A man is dead after participating in a rodeo bull-riding event, a blood sport that exploits animals for human entertainment.
According to the Daily Mail, 24-year-old Uéliton Flávio de Oliveira either jumped from or fell off the bull he was riding. The animal stomped on him once, and he died instantly.
The incident occurred in Paranaíba, Brazil. Oliveira is the second person to die in a bull riding–related incident in the country in a matter of months. In May, Giliard Antonio was killed after his hand became caught in a flank, or “bucking,” strap—a rope that’s cinched around the bull’s abdomen so tightly that the irritation causes the animal to buck vigorously. In Antonio’s case, it worked—he was bucked from the bull, his chest was crushed, and he was killed instantly.
These stories are horrible and sad, and the rodeo riders’ loved ones will likely miss them dearly. But these men signed up for it. They consented to participating in a “sport” that’s known for being cruel to animals and dangerous to all involved. However, the animals who’re tormented and abused—all for human entertainment—didn’t sign up for any of it.
Rodeos are nothing more than manipulative displays of human dominance over animals, badly disguised as entertainment. Although rodeo cowboys voluntarily risk injury and death by participating in the events, the animals they abuse have no such choice. Many of them have sustained fatal injuries, including broken backs and necks, as well as heart attacks and aneurysms. The ones who aren’t killed during events, however, often still meet a cruel death. When they’re too old or worn out to continue “performing,” “retirement” often means a one-way trip to the slaughterhouse.
Animals are being tormented—will you speak up for them?
If a rodeo comes to your town, write letters to sponsors, leaflet at the gate, or hold a demonstration. Contact PETA for help.
Please, never support rodeos, bull riding, or any other activity that forces animals to perform. Click the buttons below to share this post, and click here to take action for bulls being tortured in other cruel “sports.”
