Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky are in hot water with animal rights group PETA after taking their three kids to a rodeo in Australia.
The Hollywood couple shared a video of their family day out on Instagram, showing their 12-year-old daughter India and 10-year-old twin sons Sasha and Tristan riding a bucking bull.
A Fun Day Out or Animal Cruelty?
In the clip, India can be seen fearlessly riding the bull, gripping the braided rope before falling off into the dirt.
Her parents, Chris and Elsa, were cheering her on, with Chris even giving her a fist pump before she got on the bull. But not everyone was impressed with the family’s choice of outing.
Many of Elsa’s followers commented that the rodeo was cruel to animals and that the couple should not have taken their kids to such an event.
PETA Weighs In
PETA senior campaigns advisor Mimi Bekhechi released a statement condemning the couple’s actions.
“Elsa Pataky shouldn’t be the only one whose stomach drops at the sight of her daughter riding a bull – anyone who cares about animals should give these spectacles of suffering a Thor-sized berth,” she said.
“Rodeo participants use electric prods, flank straps, and spurs to burn, wound, terrorise, and provoke animals who are trying to flee for their lives.”
The Debate Continues
While some people praised the couple’s kids for being brave enough to participate in the rodeo, others were quick to point out the potential harm that these events can cause to animals.
“This is silly fun, the animal is a living creature and is stressed. One should have compassion and not participate in this silly entertainment, let alone support children in it,” one commenter wrote.
On the other hand, some followers defended the couple, saying that the animals are well taken care of and that the kids were just having fun.
What Do You Think?
Should Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky have taken their kids to a rodeo? Let us know in the comments! Do you think rodeos are a fun and harmless activity, or do you believe that they are cruel to animals? Join the conversation and share your thoughts.