Bull riding is nothing short of animal abuse

Thursday, Aug. 30, 2007

Bull riding is nothing short of animal abuse

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In response to ‘‘Battle of the Beast not for the meek” in the Aug. 23 edition of The Gazette:

While bull riding is considered a form of entertainment by some, it is not a legitimate sport with willing participants. It is a dramatic demonstration of animal husbandry, the breeding and rearing of domestic animals for human use and exploitation.

Bulls are provoked to react by having their tails twisted in the chute, by being shocked with a 5,000 volt ‘‘hot shot” as they exit the chute, and by having flank straps (with or without spurs) tightened around their flanks.

Since I refuse to support practices that celebrate the coercion and exploitation of animals, I can’t verify whether or not tail twisting and ‘‘hot shots” are used at J Bar W Ranch.

However, what is evident from the picture printed with the story is the use of a flank strap, which causes a terrifying sensation as if a predator were on the back or around the belly of the bull gripping the bull’s body.

If there are spurs lining the flank strap, they are dug into the bull’s sides, adding to the torment and pain. There are plenty of ways to have fun with friends and family that don’t involve harming or exploiting animals.

Joyce Phillips, Thurmont