And then they set the animals on fire and watch them die

Will Brazil Continue to Allow This Festival That Sets Bulls on Fire? Sign to End This Cruel Tradition. Sign Now Dear friends, "Brincadeira do Boi" roughly translates to Oxen Games. But in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina where they take place,these "games" are anything but fun. Starting around February, and continuing until Easter, several communities in Santa Catarina perform a disgusting ritual that ends in the death and torture of dozens of helpless bovine. At these festivals, the bull — unwittingly and unwillingly — is cast as Judas who has betrayed Jesus and thus he must be punished. A few days before the festival, the bull is confined and deprived of food. Then, it's released into a crowd of celebrants. This is when the horror begins. Villagers set upon the helpless animal, kicking, beating, and stabbing it with knives. Others rub hot pepper in its eyes before they gouge them out completely. The torture can last for up to three days and only ends when the bull has been thoroughly exhausted and is finally put out of its misery. In some cases, though, even its death is a further exercise in sadism. Sometimes, in order to dispatch the poor beast, festival goers hack off its limbs or even set it aflame. Time is running out to stop this festival before it starts this year in communities all across Santa Catarina. We must act fast and tell the governor that this festival must end. Please sign the petition and tell Gov. Carlos Moisés to crack down on this disgusting spectacle and punish those who, against the law, continue to celebrate it. Thank you,   Andrew M The Care2 Petitions Team P.S. Tell Brazil this horrific multi-day animal torture event must end. Sign the petition.