‘What a Load of Bull!’ Football Association Under Fire From PETA for Plans to Use Live Bull at FA Vase Final

For Immediate Release:

18 May 2016

Contact:

Jennifer White +44 (0) 20 7837 6327, ext 222; [email protected]

‘WHAT A LOAD OF BULL!’ FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION UNDER FIRE FROM PETA FOR PLANS TO USE LIVE BULL AT FA VASE FINAL

Animals Are Not Props, Says Charity

Hereford – After hearing that the Football Association (FA) has granted permission to Hereford FC to parade Hawkesbury Ronaldo, a bull, around Wembley Stadium this Sunday before the start of the FA Vase final, PETA rushed a letter to FA CEO Martin Glenn. The letter urges Glenn to revoke the permission immediately and implement a policy against allowing the use of live animals in football stadiums.

“Hawkesbury Ronaldo will likely be terrified and alarmed when subjected to the crowds of shouting football fans”, writes PETA campaigns coordinator Kirsty Henderson. “We urge FA CEO Martin Glenn to use his influence to spare this bull the stress and misery of being paraded in front of thousands of screaming football fans on Sunday.”  

In its letter, PETA – whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment” – notes that bulls are sensitive animals who are extremely intelligent and aware of their surroundings. When they are subjected to stressful and unnatural environments, there is no telling how they will react, creating a potential risk to spectators and staff at the match. The group also suggests that Hereford FC be encouraged to arrange for one of its supporters to dress up as a bull, thereby promoting their team in a manner that avoids all cruelty to animals.

In 2013, UEFA President Michel Platini agreed to stop the slaughter of sheep in a pre-game ritual by FC Shakhter Karagandy after hearing from PETA.

PETA’s letter to Martin Glenn is available here. For more information on how to help animals, please visit PETA.org.uk.

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