A 17-year-old, Alonso Apodaca, was arrested and charged with deadly conduct after untying multiple show steers at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Apodaca claimed he was concerned the animals were tied too tightly and decided to loosen their ropes. He successfully untied two steers before attempting a third, at which point he was asked to stop. As he left the scene, law enforcement intervened, tackling him to the ground, and handcuffing him.
While none of the steers escaped or caused injuries, officials stressed the potential dangers of his actions. Livestock can be unpredictable, and strict rules are in place to protect both the animals and the public.
There were clear signs instructing attendees not to touch or untie the animals, yet Apodaca continued despite these warnings. The steers were likely being prepared for their show classes, an event that exhibitors dedicate months of training and investment toward.
According to ABC13 Houston, Apodaca was taken to jail, and charged with deadly conduct, where he spent the night before being released the next day. His mother chose to leave him there to teach him a lesson, hoping he would understand the consequences of his impulsive actions. During his time in jail, Apodaca admitted he was scared and uncomfortable, realizing the severity of his mistake.
After his release, he acknowledged that he should have thought about the risks before acting and accepted responsibility for his actions. He recognized that the situation could have been much worse had the animals panicked or escaped.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of the most prestigious junior livestock events in the country, attracting exhibitors from across the nation. Cattle are tied out where they are easily accessible to attendees. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the rules designed to ensure the safety of both animals and attendees.
