A Texas teenager was arrested and charged with deadly conduct for his behavior at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on March 19.
Alonso Apodaca, a 17-year-old fairgoer, was worried the steers were tied up too tightly, ABC 13 News reports. He went up to a steer, took off its halter and let it loose. Then, he continued to do this for another steer, the article says.
He went up to a third steer and was petting it when someone asked him not to do that, ABC 13 reports. He was tackled to the ground and handcuffed soon after this.
Apodaca was charged with deadly conduct, a misdemeanor. He was taken to jail where he remained overnight as his mother told local reporters that she wanted to teach him to control his actions and emotions better. The teenager took responsibility for his decisions and later told ABC 13 News that he learned an important lesson to think before taking action next time.
Although none of the steers got out and nobody was injured, stock show officials expressed their concern about the unpredictability and danger of loose 1,200+ lb. animals in a crowd of people.
Show Livestock Require Proper Animal Handling Skills
While show cattle might appear calm and friendly, they still require experienced handling and restraint, says Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Calf Scramble Judge Jon DeClerck.
“For the safety of both the public and our exhibitors, it is critical no one interacts with livestock without the owner’s permission and assistance,” says DeClerck, incoming executive vice president of the American Simmental Association. “A loose steer in a busy environment can pose serious risks, from injuring pedestrians and junior exhibitors to causing accidents. As a judge we greatly appreciate everyone’s respect for these animals and the hard work exhibitors put into their care and safety.”
Signs clearly ask people not to touch the animals. This is not only for the safety of animals and fairgoers, but also for the health of both animals and people.
A record-breaking 2.7 million people attended the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo this year. A crew of 35,000 volunteers give their time to help make the 20-day event that brings in more than 12,000 head of livestock a success.
Know the ‘Why’ Behind Proper Show Conduct
Jeff Langemeier, one of the event’s volunteers with decades of experience in the stock show industry, says the majority of the volunteers come from cities and there is a need for more rural volunteers who have livestock experience. That’s one of the reasons why he volunteers to help at the show – to help share his practical knowledge of the livestock industry in this volunteer role.
“This instance brings to the forefront the safety of all attending and these valuable projects are of the utmost priority,” Langemeier says. “Safety protocols are in place for all committees and instilled in the behaviors of all involved.”
Beyond the component of human and animal safety, it is important for exhibitors to be diligent and engaging in the ‘why’ behind their conduct at livestock shows, particularly with large public crowds, says Clay Zwilling, CEO of the National Swine Registry.
“We often take for granted our daily and routine tasks,” Zwilling says. “This is an example of stepping back and thinking about why we may have common practices, or more importantly, how we remain diligent to protect fairgoers and fellow exhibitors.”
Emily Ellis, director of communications and content for Animal Agriculture Alliance, agrees that this story emphasizes the continued need for members of the animal agriculture community to proactively communicate what they’re doing on the farm and why certain practices are important for animal welfare, animal health, environmental stewardship and other valued issues.
“This highlights the unintended consequences of members of the public taking matters into their own hands when they don’t understand or agree with a practice being used in agriculture,” Ellis says. “In some instances, as it appears in this case, it’s due to a misunderstanding. In other instances, it’s connected to more extreme ideologies like animal rights activism.”
Zwilling adds that everyone is very lucky that no people or animals were hurt or caused themselves or others damage.
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