WORCESTER, Mass. - A group of people stood outside the DCU Center on Sunday protesting a Professional Bull Riders event happening inside.

The Western Mass Animal Rights Advocates group alleges that the bulls used in these events are subjected to painful tactics used to get them to buck.

They said while bulls are born with the ability to buck, they're not built to do it routinely, and claim this could eventually lead to broken legs and backs.

"We're just educating people about bull riding and the cruel facts that bulls are not treated humanely. They're tortured at bull riding events and they're forced to buck out of pain," said Sheryl Becker. "They're always provoked in some way, by using painful straps around their genitals and spurs. Sometimes they use electric prods to provoke the bulls, and I think it's just important for people to not support such cruelty."

In a statement, a spokesperson for Professional Bull Riders said their animals get the best care, and have a pampered, long life, eventually passing away long after their careers are over from natural causes on a ranch.

"Contrary to the false allegations, there is no negative stimulation causing the bulls to buck,” the statement said. “These extraordinary animals, truly world-class athletes, are not shocked, cut, prodded, or otherwise agitated to buck. The riders’ spurs are dull. The flank strap is a soft cotton rope that bothers a bull as much a belt worn by humans bothers them. Bucking is in their bloodlines."