New Yorkers are gathering in Queens tonight to pay their respects to a bull that died after a two-hour chase through the streets of Jamaica yesterday. The bull escaped in the morning from the Aziz Slaughter House, one of dozens in the city that kill live animals and serve meat directly to customers. The bovine was shot with tranquilizers and died on its way to the Animal Care and Control Center in Brooklyn. Yesterday's escape is the second by a bull in as many years in Queens. The sight of a bloodied animal running through a residential neighborhood is once again renewing the call by some New Yorkers to ban slaughterhouses from the five boroughs. City, state, and federal agencies are involved in regulating live-animal markets that satisfy cultural norms and religious rites of many New Yorkers. What was your reaction to seeing video of a bull running through the streets of Jamaica yesterday? Is it time for the City of New York to ban slaughterhouses in the five boroughs? If you live near one of these businesses, are you affected at all by its presence? If you buy meat from one, why should they stay in New York City?
John Schiumo's Thoughts
If the escaped bull trampled a group of school kids, today's discussion would be dramatically different. Animals will continue to die at these slaugherhouses until a person does.
Your Thoughts
It broke my heart to see the bull who took a chance and ran for his life, through the streets of Queens, only to lose it in the end. I know the fear that bull felt. People should realize that all of the animals in slaughterhouses feel the same fear and pain as human beings. Anyone who doubts this, need only to go on the internet and research photos of today's slaughterhouses. When you eat meat you must realize that you are also eating the adrenalin and fear the animal secreted during his death. To eat meat is to eat fear. Tortures exist all over the USA of cows, turkeys, pigs and chickens that should not be happening, and the meat industry is destroying our planet. The meat industry is responsible for more greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide released into our atmosphere than that of industry or transportation. The numbers of people who are against purchasing animal meat is growing daily. While there are many people who still do want to eat animal meat will do so in their own time and on their own time. Why are we a representation of the cruel species that exist on earth? We shouldn't be. We should be the voice of innocent animals. We can and will survive without eating meat and there could be a new direction of health and vitality. LETS PLEASE STOP AND CLOSE DOWN ALL SLAUGHTERHOUSES and/or FACTORY FARMS.
Joan
Why do we turn some animals into pets and kill others for food and clothing? Meat is cruel, is destroying the planet and making us sick. Courage, the Bull deserved, as all life does, to live, to be. He reminds us that we all just want to live, to run free, to be.
Brian
Another sad story. Everyone wants to live. Please go vegan.
Robyn
Why should the city close any legitimate business that pays taxes and provides jobs? Bottom line, the majority of us enjoy eating meat. Vegans can keep on eating like rabbits.
Carey from the Bronx
I think that many of us were cheering the bull, not because of any commitment to vegetarianism or veganism, but, rather, because the bull had the foresight and courage to make a run for it, made a statement for the entire bovine community, and, because we are a nation, if not a society, founded on civil disobedience, should have been rewarded with his freedom.
Big Andy, Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn
As a longtime New Yorker (Brooklyn resident), I've seen too many instances of slaughterhouse runaways. No one living within city limits should have to deal with a panicked bull on the run down their street. The slaughterhouses are imposing the risks involved in their business--escaped animals--on their neighbors, not to mention the public health and hygiene issues involved when caged chickens are stacked up on the sidewalk outside of similar facilities in Bay Ridge, and elsewhere. It's time to respect the local residents who live near these facilities and shut them down. Thanks for covering this issue,
Anne
Hey John this story is so new york- "Wild thing struggling to survive IN BIG CITY pursued by NYPD" Only in new York...
Butch
The bovine(bull) that escaped and running through the streets of South Jamaica are cattle used by those who specialize in halal meats because most of their customers who adhere to the Muslim faith want their meat slaughtered and of those, they use large animals, such as bovine(bulls). These animals have no place, not only in these slaughterhouses, but also have no place within the city limits. These animals should be confiscated and sent to petting zoos or farms and slaughterhouses shouldn't be allowed to open in anywhere in residential areas and any remaining slaughterhouses shuttered.
Cecilia, East Williamsburg
It is a tragedy what happened to Courage. It is a tragedy what happens to all animals every day in this country and the world. It's time to stop harming and exploiting animals. It's time to be vegan. It's time we dismantle these violent institutions and have a movement for true animal rights.
Chris
That poor creature was just defending himself. All creatures have a right to do so. He should never have been there in the first place.
Dana
It was just horrible to watch that poor bull literally running for his life on TV! He was covered in poop, gasping and obviously terrified! I was sooo happy to hear that a sanctuary was going to take him and then suddenly you reported that he was dead-- because the cops overdosed him with sedatives?! What negligence!! Don't they receive training on the substance they have control of?? I am mortified! And yes- I am a vegan!
Dina, Upper East Side
POINTING OUT FACTUAL DATA THAT SHOWS A CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUMAN MADE METHANE(Billions of Tons) AND GREENBOUSE GASSES IS NOT THE SAME AS IMPOSING YOUR VIEWS ON CONSUMERS OF DEAD CARCASSES. THE NEXT HURRICANE SANDY MIGHT BE A CATEGORY (4) OR (5).
OSIRIS--UPPER EAST/MANHATTAN.
Was it a slow news day or something? Last I checked, crazy Donald Trump was still President and revoking rights from Trans students, and you guys are talking about a cow?
Eric, Upper West Side
This is why I don't eat meat ever. Cruelty is cruelty, whether inflicted on a human or an animal or bird.
Frances, East Village
John, I think I heard you say that "until someone dies, we will have these slaughter houses in the 5 boroughs of NY." So, by this logic, we should bad cars in New York because cars kill many, many more people. The risk is minimal to residents. Be serious. If the business is up to health code, let it be.
Jenny, Murray Hill
I was afraid when I saw the bull running down the street, I know my auntie and cousins live in the area.. My elderly and she has elderly friends that live around her. Slaughterhouses shouldn't be in NYC in residential areas, What if the bull tan into a school?? That would of been dangerous for the students. Slaughterhouses should be out on the Island somewhere or in NJ. Until we decide not to eat meat ever again, we need the slaughterhouses, it's sad but true. They shouldn't be in NYC in residential areas.. Luckily people weren't hurt, The bull is Resting in peace...
Herman, Upper west Side
SLAUGHTERHOUSES IN THE 5 BOROS SHOULD BE LIMITED TO FIFTH AVENUE/MANHATTAN NEAR THE TRUMP PLAZA
Neil/Yorkville
Slaughterhouses are disgusting. They really don't have any business being anywhere.
Jay, LIC
Is it legal to slaughter animals this large within the city limits. I have only seen poultry slaughter houses.
John, Carroll Gardens
Its time to do something about this.
Jeanne, Jamaica, NY
I am "transplanted" from Connecticut into the Bronx, where I have been a resident for over 10 years now. I have to say one of the things that shocked me the most (and continues to shock me) are the grotesque slaughterhouses that are scattered throughout the boroughs. These are basically live horror houses that I go out of my way to avoid when out and about with my son. The animals escaping and literally running for their lives are a CALL for us New Yorkers to be more compassionate in the food we eat, where it comes from, and how it's being treated. It's time for the slaughterhouses to go!!
Jodie Bronx, NY
I think it's really not NYPD job to chase down these wild animals. I would train aspca workers to handle these situations. NYPD has enough on their plates and animal control should be in charge with any animals.
Joe from Maspeth
The bull was running for his life LITERALLY. He was clearly fully capable of feeling terror and pain. Please think about that the next time you sit down to a meal. Make the connection. Go vegan.
Judy
I am a veterinary Major attending Mercy College and after watching the news of a bull running for his freedom almost being brutally murdered by bloody humans is just absurd. I am also a vegetarian and I believe slaughter houses especially in New York City should be banned! I don't believe human beings will ever understand the pain an animal goes through until or unless they go through a similar experience. It truly disgusts me to know that killing animals is okay and taking them away from their home and families is okay just for the mass production of this country. BAN THE SLAUGHTER HOUSES!!! SAVE THE ANIMALS!!!
K.D.
I just wanted to say that I was filled with sorrow over the story of the escaped bull - after he managed to escape a rather nasty destiny at a slaughterhouse, only to die slowly from tranquilizers. I wish more could have been done to save him. I wish our country could give up slaughterhouses and the meat industry. I wish I was filthy rich so I could take in all of these creatures.
Linda
This poor baby (and he was just a baby) came to a terrifying end, that was no more terrifying than if he had not escaped. He, like all animals, wanted to live. He made a run for it. But we humans cannot treat farmed animals with the most basic respect and decency we would a cat, dog or bird. We have to stop breeding and raising animals for our use. It's barbaric and we don't need to do it. Millions of vegans live long, happy, healthy lives without harming animals.
Lori
I don't understand why the cow was tranquilized so much - why didn't they just give it time it to work - the cow posed no threat.
Lydia
It's really going too far to attempt to dictate what another person might like to eat. These are the same people that forced Ringling Bros.to go out of business.after over 100 yrs. Now they want that I shouldn't have hamburger if I want one. PS..when I see them eat tofu it makes me sick. Do I have the right to tell them they cant??
Rob...Staten Island
Most people saw the stress that this sentient being was in and felt for him, surely this is an opportunity to look within and ask ourselves is this food or another being that is more than a commodity? We know animal agriculture is the #1 cause of greenhouse gases, forest deforestation and water usage, we know animal protein comes with an array of health problems and we know the huge benefits of a plant-based diet. Surely as we move forward as the human sleaziest we should live up to our name- HUMANKIND.
Marc
Sanctuary, please, not death for the bull that escaped. It broke free to save its life. This was so sad. The animal had a right to LIVE.
Maritza, Washington Heights
so sad to watch this baby bull extremely afraid!! we must stop thinks all animals as food!!!!! its 2017 people grow up already there are many alternative and much healthier out there!!! Leave them out of your plate you are eating suffer and sadness. GO VEGAN
MATT FIDI NEW YORK
Yesterday when Ferdinand the Bull ran for his life and freedom, so many New Yorkers cheered for him. We saw something in him that resonated with us; whether it was his determination, his fear, his strength, his yearning for a better life, or his innocence, we identified with him. Or perhaps we simply rooted for the underdog to come out on top. Ferdinand's story is sadly not an anomaly; he is just one in 10 billion land animals who are needlessly and savagely slaughtered. Those who rooted for Ferdinand and who grieved - even momentarily - over the loss of his life but consume animal products need to reexamine the way in which they eat and view animals. Please look at his struggle, his life of torment, and his desperate attempt at freedom and know that so many other suffer just like him. He is the face of your steak and his death should not be forgotten or in vein. While Ferdinand was not saved, you alone have to power to save the lives of other animals by adapting a more compassionate and knowledgeable lifestyle. Please go vegan and be a hero to animals like Ferdinand.
Meredith S., Manhattan
John, one of my most searing childhood memories is that of accompanying my Dad to the livery or what he called in Spanish el vivero. We went there weekly, since my father wanted us to eat FRESH chicken. More than 50 years later, I can still hear the hair-raising screams and squeals from the animals in that place. I can still smell the thick, wet, suffocating odor of accumulated and gushing blood. I still remember coming home with the little string that I would invariably bring to the vivero hoping my Dad would some day let me bring a little chicken home on my string leash.
Mi
Why do people deem acceptable imposing their own beliefs on others? As long as laws are being followed and no one is being hurt, I don't see the issue with these slaughter house. If you're a vegan, be a vegan. Let others eat what they choose. Who raised these people?
OC from Inwood.
It is heartening to see the compassion directed towards Ferdinand, but he is one in 10 billion animals unnecessarily slaughtered each year. If those affected do not eliminate or at least reduce meat and animal products from their diets then his suffering and death were for nothing.
Nathan S., Manhattan
Yes, they should be banned. I'll probably get backlash from the animal rights groups but I think they should have shot the bull when the tranquilizer darts didn't work rather than allow him to be running through the streets of a densely populated area. What's the better choice -- killing the bull or allowing the bull to kill innocent people who happen to be walking on the street. The bull was destined to die anyway.
Pat, Midtown Manhattan
I believe if any animal escapes our "jail" then this should automatically grant them amnesty.
P.
Everything is so sad. I think it's sad that someone wacks a plant that is stuck in the ground and has no chance of escaping it's fate. At least my meat have a running/fighting chance. Does that means that it's okay for the plant to die in order for you to live? No more plant killing. Let's see how that works for you.
Raphael, Harlem, NY
These unfortunate situations rarely happen, so I don't think slaughterhouses should be banned. Since these live animal markets satisfy cultural norms and religious rites, and are conveniently in each borough for direct service to customers, I think that these slaughterhouses should remain. If escaped animals were a constant happening, then I would favor relocating the slaughterhouses.
Sal #2, Flushing, NY
Yes, I too witness the bull running for his life and was delighted to know his life was being spared. It's unfortunate it died and slaughter houses absolutely should be ban in the five boros for this very same reason. Thankfully, I don't support slaughtering animals and it's not because I don't consume it anymore. I stopped eating red meat, pork, etc. in my very early teens because I wanted to and I'm glad I did. RIP... bovine.
J.T., Financial Dist
I was very angry and upset that this bull was killed by incompetence as he was basically overdosed on tranquilizers as far as I can tell. All he wanted was to live and be free and he would have had that chance at the sanctuary en route to take him as he was running through the streets of Queens. I hope that all the people who were rooting for him and those sad that he didn't make it will examine their dietary choices. Every time you eat meat you are causing the death of an individual like this bull who experiences pain and fear when all they want is life and happiness. I have been vegan for 25 years and it's the best thing I have ever done for myself, for the animals and for the planet. Think about it.
Teresa, Upper East Side
The poor bull was trying to escape his living hell & horrific slaughter This is not good meat to eat, causes disease, hormone imbalance, + prob has anti-biotics, growth hormones, & who knows what else For health & well-being, Meat, esp red meat should b viewed as a garnish, not main course Finally, the terror, stress hormones of a slaughtered animal r in the meat, & not s.thing u wkuld want to ingest
T, E Vill