What do the folks of Kroonstad have in common with their American Midwest buddies, other than horrid taste in music? The irresistible urge to ride on the back of a bull, of course, whether done legally or not.

It was the latter that saw two men and a woman arrested over the weekend for using bulls at a rodeo event, ignoring a court order issued by the Kroonstad Magistrate’s Court to stop them from doing so. The rodeo took place in Viljoenskroon, Free State, and it didn’t go unnoticed by the NSPCA. News24 reports:

NSPCA inspector Nazareth Appalsamy said on Monday a warrant had been produced in the presence of SAPS officers on the morning of the planned event on Saturday.

“As the rodeo proceeded, the NSPCA alerted the SAPS who intervened by halting proceedings and arresting the organisers.”

The trio was arrested on the day for defying a court order, which stated that bulls not be used at the event.

The use of bucking straps, flank straps and spurs was also prohibited, Appalsamy said.

“When placed around the animal’s testicles, the equipment causes them to buck and perform. This ‘spectacle’ is the result of discomfort, pain and unnecessary suffering.”

This isn’t the first time the organisers have angered the folks at the NSPCA, an event in 2014 having seen a bull break its leg in the ring and forcing the animal rights group to put the beast out of its misery. It’s unclear whether this video below is from that particular rodeo but it gives you a good idea of what’s going on there nonetheless.

Appalsamy said that part of the cruelty against the animals was the result of the screaming crowds and blaring music. I think that music could be classed as a crime against humanity but I guess it’s a different world out there in Kroonstad.

[source:news24]