Shocking Calf Killing at Makawao Rodeo Prompts Call for Prosecution

For Immediate Release:
July 24, 2026

Contact:
Sara Groves 202-483-7382

After being alerted to the killing of a calf at the 4th of July Makawao Stampede rodeo, PETA today sent a letter to County of Maui Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Martin urging him to investigate and file charges against the person responsible. PETA received disturbing video footage reportedly recorded at the event, which shows a man on horseback pulling the calf by a rope around the animal’s neck. The man is then seen veering to the opposite side of a pole from the calf, causing the calf to be flung around the pole before going limp.

“This calf was tormented by being chased, violently roped, and ultimately killed in a hideous way at this rodeo just so that a man could play cowboy,” says PETA Vice President of Legal Advocacy Daniel Paden. “PETA is calling on the County of Maui to prosecute those responsible and urges everyone to stay away from rodeos, where calves, horses, and other animals endure broken bones, internal injuries, and agonizing deaths.”

During rodeos, frightened animals are frequently shocked with electric prods and jabbed with spurs. Gruesome and even fatal injuries are common, including broken backs and necks, punctured lungs, and heart attacks. Those who survive are typically hauled from one event to another, and when their bodies are too broken to continue, they’re sent to slaughter. That’s why PETA and every other major animal protection organization opposes rodeos.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment or abuse in any other way”—points out that when it comes to the ability to feel pain, hunger, and fear, a calf is a dog is a boy. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.

PETA’s letter to Martin follows.

July 24, 2026

The Honorable Andrew H. Martin

County of Maui Prosecuting Attorney

Via e-mail

Dear Mr. Martin:

I hope this letter finds you well. I would like to request that your office (and the proper local law-enforcement agency, as you deem appropriate) investigate and file suitable criminal charges against the man responsible for recklessly killing a calf at the 4th of July Makawao Stampede, which was held at the Oskie Rice Event Center located at 523 Olinda Rd. in Makawao.

PETA was recently sent this video, which we were told was recorded at the event. The video depicts a man on horseback pulling a roped calf toward a pole and veering toward the opposite side of the pole from the calf, causing the calf to violently wrap around the pole. We understand the animal was killed in the incident, and the video appears to corroborate the claim. 

This conduct appears to violate Hawaii law. HI Rev Stat § 711-1109 (1) states that “A person commits the offense of cruelty to animals in the second degree if the person … recklessly … (a) … causes substantial bodily injury to … any animal[.]”  “Animal” is defined as including every living creature except a human being, and there is no exemption for rodeo activities. The reckless conduct depicted in the video no doubt caused the animal to suffer substantial injury—and, it appears, a violent, painful death—and charges under state law are this victim’s only chance at a small measure of legal recognition. We urge you to seek it.

Please let us know what we might do to assist you. Thank you for your consideration and for the difficult work that you do.

Sincerely,

Colin Henstock

Associate Director of Project Strategy