An investigation is underway after a video circulating social media reportedly showed a bull being physically abused during an event at the Salinas Sports Complex on Saturday, Aug. 1.
In an Aug. 3 statement, the California Rodeo Association said the event was operated by an independent promoter renting the Salinas Sports Complex, and was not an event organized by the association.
“We recognize that the incident occurred at a facility we manage and that many people associate with our organization,” the statement reads. “We do not condone animal abuse or the mistreatment of livestock under any circumstances."
The event producer, who was not identified, has now been banned from renting future events at the sports complex, according to the California Rodeo Association.
Juan Salinas, the owner of Rancho Mas, a livestock ranch and ganadería known for participating in traditional jaripeo bull-riding events and tournaments in California, says he only rented his equipment and the animal in the video is not his.
“I am not sure what happened because the box is mine, but not the animal," Salinas says. “I am only in charge of renting the gate-box where the animal is held in position.”
The Salinas Police Department in conjunction with the SPCA Monterey County is investigating.
If the public has any information, additional video or witnessed anything from the event, the Salinas Police Department encourages contacting Officer Loya, an investigator handling animal-related cases, at (831) 264-5414 or Jloya@spcamc.org.