We’re not “milking” this story. Sean Gifford, a member of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) was detained at IOC headquarters in Lausanne Switzerland while dressed as a cow. He was charged with violating a city ordinance on public order.
As a non-resident of Switzerland, Gifford was ordered to pay a $60 bond, equivalent to the fine he could face, in case he fails to appear in court.
Gifford was held for questioning while protesting a rodeo during the Olympic Arts Festival at the Salt Lake City Games. PETA maintains rodeos are cruel.
Gifford chained himself to the door of the IOC building carrying a poster reading, “Don’t Shame the Games – Stop the Olympic Rodeo!” PETA has been following the Olympic torch around the United States, handling out leaflets urging cancellation of the rodeo.
The rodeo includes bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronco riding, calf roping, women’s barrel racing and bull riding.
IOC spokeswoman Emmanuelle Moreau said, “we have taken measures to ensure the rodeo animals will be protected, including having IOC officials on hand accompanies by veterinarians”.
