Prince Harry Criticised By PETA After Latest Appearance

Prince Harry has been criticised by PETA after he was spotted at a rodeo.

The Duke of Sussex upset animal rights activist after he attended the Stockyards Rodeo event in Fort Worth, Texas, on Saturday.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's biographer and the Royal editor at large at Harper's Bazaar, Omid Scobie, tweeted a picture from the event that sparked anger online.

"Living his best American life Prince Harry was in Fort Worth, Texas this weekend and spent Saturday at the historic @cowtowncoliseum for the famous @StockyardsRodeo," Omid tweeted.

"The duke was spotted by locals enjoying some good ol’ Southern hospitality and a VIP tour of the venue."

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A spokesperson for PETA condemned Prince Harry's decision to attend the event.

Speaking exclusively with the Mirror, the spokesperson said: “It’s extremely disappointing to see that Prince Harry made the misjudgment to attend a rodeo, a crude, old amusement for bored cowboys who view animals as nothing more than things."

They noted the injuries the bulls endure including “broken bones, punctured lungs, snapped necks, or torn muscles” and some die after being “terrorised” and “provoked” by the cowboys. 

Bull riding at rodeos have been seen as a traditional, family friendly event in states including California, Colorado, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming.

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Animal rights activists have called for a ban of rodeos due to animal cruelty concerns for many years.

The group Last Chance for Animals has led campaigns against rodeos and bull riding events because they "glorify animal abuse as they masquerade as family entertainment".

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - known as PETA - has a page on their website dedicated to why rodeos are detrimental for animals.

After bulls ae forced to take part in rodeos, they are sent to the slaughterhouse. Dr. C.G. Haber, a veterinarian, is quoted describing the horrific injuries bulls suffer as a result of rodeos.

"I have seen animals with six to eight ribs broken from the spine and, at times, puncturing the lungs," he said. "I have seen as much as two to three gallons of free blood accumulated under the detached skin.

The Duchess of Sussex is a loyal animal rights activist and she is a patron for Mayhew Trust animal charity. Meghan also reportedly talked Harry out of fox hunting.

Prince Harry's representatives have been contacted for comment.

Topics: News, Royal Family, Prince Harry, Animals

Gregory Robinson

Gregory is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, he has worked for both print and online publications and is particularly interested in TV, (pop) music and lifestyle. He loves Madonna, teen dramas from the '90s and prefers tea over coffee.