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Comments of the Day: Is Bull Riding Bull?
By
Jen Chung
Published Jan 3, 2008
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published Jan 3, 2008
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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When we mentioned how the Professional Bull Riders were holding an outdoor demonstration of bull riding on the corner of 8th Avenue and 33rd Street (outside of Madison Square Garden where their invitational is being held this weekend), our readers had some strong opinions.
Reader prana came out against bull riding:
These bull riders are little more than animal abusers who torment these bulls so that they will "buck" and create the illusion that they are "taming wild beasts." It's all a complete farce because it couldn't exist without the bulls being provoked.
In order to get these animals to act "wild" they use flank straps which are painfully tightened around the bulls body, the riders wear metal spurs, tail-twisting is common right before rides, and electric prods giving 5,000-6,000 volts are used on the bulls while they are about to leave their chutes to be "ridden."
Bull riding is a disgusting display of animal abuse and torment portrayed as entertainment...
You are absolutely wrong, the PBR treats the bulls very well without mistreatment. The bulls try to buck off riders not because of flank straps or spurs or electric prods, but because they are basically wild animals acting according to their instincts. Bulls may be the same species as placid dairy cows but act very differently.
Check out the other comments in the thread here.
Tagged
animals
bull riding
bulls
madison square
madison square garden
msg
pbr
Professional Bull Riders
sports
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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