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PETA suggests Rangers' Perez go vegan after he killed, ate bull

Ron Jenkins / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Texas Rangers pitcher Martin Perez is not in the good books of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals after he killed and ate the bull he held responsible for breaking a bone in his elbow.

Perez was injured at his Venezuelan ranch in December when he fell while trying to get out of the way of a charging bull. When asked about the animal Sunday, Perez revealed the bull's fate. PETA responded with a statement Thursday, calling Perez's action "unjustifiable" and sending him "a basket of delicious vegan treats."

"Have you considered what might have caused the incident? Perhaps you frightened him," wrote Andrew Bernstein of PETA, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. "Perhaps he felt that he had to defend his turf, just as you or I would. ... We have to ask why you felt that you had to prove that you had power over him by robbing him of his life. We hope that upon reflection, you'll feel that making a show of eating him was not only a cruel thing to do but also an unjustifiable, vengeful act that makes you look small."

In the second half of the statement, the organization recommended Perez follow the lead of other athletes and stop eating animal products in favor of a vegan lifestyle.

"To get in shape for the season, would you consider changing your diet, as so many other professional athletes have done recently in order to improve their performance? From Wilson Chandler and Lewis Hamilton to Kyrie Irving and Rich Roll, vegan athletes are changing the face of sports. ... I'm sending you a basket of delicious vegan treats for you to enjoy, and we hope you'll take this opportunity to make a change."

Perez underwent offseason surgery on his non-throwing elbow after the injury and has already pitched this spring, tossing five innings and posting a 1.80 ERA.

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