Group Says Veteran Shortstop Should Concentrate on His Game, Leave Animals Out of the Equation

For Immediate Release:
October 1, 2009

Contact:
Dan Shannon 757-622-7382

Dallas -- Today, PETA sent an urgent letter to Texas Rangers infielder Omar Vizquel calling on him to abandon his plan to take up bullfighting--which is illegal in the U.S.--when he returns to his home in Venezuela in the off-season. PETA's advice comes on the heels of Vizquel's comments that he wants to become a matador (Spanish for "killer"). Bulls who are debilitated with beatings to the kidneys and have Vaseline smeared into their eyes before they're led into the ring don't stand a chance of coming out alive. They are repeatedly and mercilessly stabbed in the back of the neck until they die in a pool of their own blood.

"Omar is striking out by advocating cruel pastimes such as killing bulls and hunting anacondas," says PETA Assistant Director Dan Shannon. "Participating in cruel and ludicrous activities overseas--activities that are illegal in the U.S.--won't help Vizquel or the Rangers win over any fans here at home."

For more information, please visit PETA's blog. 

PETA's letter to Omar Vizquel follows.

Omar Vizquel
c/o Texas Rangers

Dear Mr. Vizquel,

On behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and our more than 2 million members and supporters, including many Texas Rangers fans and thousands of residents in the Dallas area, I'm writing to urge you to nix your off-season plans to learn bullfighting. We know that you have hit only one home run this year, but if you're looking for a way to prove that you can perform, believe me, torturing an already weakened animal won't impress anyone.

In bullfighting, the bull doesn't stand a chance. Even before the matador enters the ring, the animal is beaten in the kidneys and stabbed in the neck to wear him down. Bulls are also often fed laxatives to debilitate them further, and petroleum jelly is smeared into their eyes to affect their vision. By the time the matador steps into the ring, the bulls are weaker than--oh, forgive me--a shortstop with a career OPS below .700.

If you're looking for a thrill while you're home in Venezuela, go skydiving, take up drag racing, or challenge Hugo Chavez to an arm-wrestling match. But with all due respect, please leave animal abuse out of your midlife crisis.

Sincerely,

Dan Shannon
Director of Campaigns