Fri, Dec 20 & Sat, Dec 21, 2024 – Protest Bull Riding

Posted on by Joan OBrien in Events (Passed)

During 2024, NHARL tried to engage Manchester city officials in a dialog about the cruelty and risks associated with bull riding, but our efforts were unsuccessful. As a result, the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Tour is returning to the SNHU Arena for two shows in December 2024.

Protest Details

Please join us outside the SNHU Arena (555 Elm Street, Manchester) for one or both peaceful protests against bull riding. Meet on the sidewalk near the arena’s front entrance on the corner of Elm St. and Lake Ave.

  • Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 — 6:30 – 8:00 pm (event starts at 7:45)
  • Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 — 6:30 – 8:00 pm (event starts at 7:45)

Signs will be provided.

Parking: Spots on the street are hard to find on event nights, but since we start early you may find one. The closest garage is the Center of NH Garage (65 Granite Street, Manchester). Business lots also offer event parking, but this is an expensive option. See SNHU Directions & Parking for more detail.6

Efforts to end bull riding in Manchester

In October 2024, NHARL president Joan O’Brien went before the Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen (starts around 28 mins) to highlight the dangers of bull riding, emphasizing the risks it poses to both the animals and the spectators.
Joan drew attention to a recent incident at a rodeo in Oregon, where a distressed bull jumped out of the ring, rampaged through the crowd, and injured three people. She added that a few months later eight bulls escaped from a rodeo at a mall in North Attleboro, MA. To prove that bull riding is not harmless family entertainment, she asked city officials to view a one-minute video of bulls getting hurt at PBR events. NHARL compiled this video and showed it at the previous year’s bull riding protests. It has had 1.4K views.

In closing, Joan asked Manchester to follow the example of other cities and pass an ordinance to prohibit bull riding and/or rodeo events.