The Longest Ride premiered Monday and like any movie adaptation of a Nicholas Sparks novel, there is bound to be some drama. This time, it was the presence of live animals at the premiere and in the film that prompted People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to take the reins.

Scott Eastwood, son of director and actor Clint Eastwood, plays a professional bull rider, Luke Collins, who is trying to save his family’s ranch. He also tries to win the heart of a college girl, Sophia, who is about to embark on her own journey as an artist in New York. In the Dome’s Britt Robertson plays the role of Sophia.

Like any Nicholas Sparks story, it was love (not bulls) at the forefront of the film. Nevertheless, Eastwood ensured that no harm came to the featured bull during filming.

The PETA foundation’s deputy general counsel Delcianna Winders said that Nicholas Sparks should “stick to long-lost lovers kissing in the rain” since there is nothing “romantic” about animal violence. She called rodeo a “disgusting show” in which “pathetic people bully terrified animals,” according to Ace Showbiz. 

In response, Eastwood told Entertainment Tonight that the Humane Society was always on set during filming. He said they made sure “everything was up to snuff” and that “none of the bulls got hurt.”

In addition, 20th Century Fox explained that rodeos are not depicted in the film. The studio claimed it is a professional bull riding event, and there is a big difference between that and a rodeo.

Jim Haworth, chairman and CEO of Professional Bull Riders, confirmed. He said the bulls are treated like royalty, yet PETA always shows up misinformed to remind people of Animal Rights. He added that anytime exposure is given to “our great athletes” PETA “is going to get involved.”

The film will hit theaters Friday, April 10.