After hearing about Saturday's cattle-roping contest, which was sponsored by a UF class, I was overcome with shame because as a UF student I am part of an organization that condones animal cruelty.
The animals that are unfortunate enough to be subjected to this barbaric form of entertainment have been shown to experience high levels of stress and anxiety.
Essentially, they are terrified.
When the cattle are successfully roped, they more often than not sustain extremely painful injuries.
How is it that the torture of innocent animals is an event that attracts loads of spectators, including families with small children? Is this form of violence something that parents really want to expose their children to?
This public display of cruelty is the antithesis of what a family event should be.
I sincerely hope that all of the individuals who have been involved with this event in the past take a hard look at the pain and suffering that they have caused and elect to make more humane choices in the future.
