From Animal Defenders of Westchester (ADOW)

We advocate on all animal protection and exploitation issues, including experimentation, factory farming, rodeos, breeders and traveling animal acts.

No Bull

Letter as published on NY Daily News
April 14, 2022

In an attempt to boost ratings, Hallmark Channel, the 'feel good' station, has shamefully put animal cruelty on the roster by featuring bull riding, hiding behind all the poignant stereotypes: 'No mother wants her son to be a bull rider,' 'Family is everything' etc. All the platitudes in order to perpetuate the stereotype of the 'villainous raging bull' with not one shred of humane enlightenment.

Bulls are not naturally angry or aggressive. They are in fact very social, can remember up to 70 individuals and feel safe when in their herd.

Bull riding plays on their fears: 'Bucking' is a response to panic and pain of theflank strap,being shocked,etc. In the chute they drool, try to escape - and the screaming crowds, isolation, abuse and bright lights heighten the animal's fright. Vigorous bucking tears ligaments, breaks bones; animals have died during these events. 'Farm' animals have essentially zero legal protections under the USDA; the uncaring cowboys thrive because of that.

'Family is everything,' is Hallmark's emotional appeal. Decency is also everything; compassion is everything. Real men don't harm animals. Any event that risks an animal's life and subjects them to unnecessary stress has no place in decent society - and certainly not on the Hallmark 'feel good' channel, which should include 'kindness' on its schedule.

Kiley Blackman

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