Story By: Jonathan Macias, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News

Video Credit: CEN/Fundacion EDRA

This is the moment a cow is zapped with a small electric cattle prod after the animal fell down in the arena from exhaustion.

Local media report that the incident, which was filmed at an arena in the town of Pirque in the central Chilean province of Cordillera during a traditional rodeo event, involved a bull being zapped with a small taser.

In the clip, the collapsed bull appears to be zapped by a cowboy wearing a yellow top who is reportedly using a small taser.

Alexis Castillo, president of the animal rights group Fundacion Edra, told local media: “As far as we are concerned, the use of electric prods to make animals stand up when they are experiencing pain, fatigue or fear is something that is sadly common and recurring.”

According to Mauricio Acevedo of the Breeders Association of Cordillera de Pirque, the incident is not animal abuse as electric prods are “accepted by the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG)”.

However, animal activists strongly disagree and local media said that several arenas have been set on fire as a result of traditional livestock events taking place in recent weeks.

Reports said that the last burning incident took place earlier this month at the Julio Ruiesco Stadium in the city of Curacavi which led to the cancellation of a rodeo event.

Pamphlets left at the scene said: “No more delays. Empathy, awareness and reaction.”

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