Boy From Irvine Honored for Saving Mexican Bull

A 12-year-old Irvine boy was the guest of honor at an animal rights award ceremony for buying a bull named Ben to save it from a life in the Mexican bullfighting ring.

Sixth-grader Jordy Brown donned a rented tuxedo and a new pair of sneakers and brought his mom to mingle with celebrities at the Genesis Awards held Saturday night in Beverly Hills. He brought along a pocketful of photographs of Ben.

“I’m really mad at the people who are fans of bullfighting,” Jordy said. “But mostly I’m sorry for them because they call that entertainment.”

The awards for entertainers and media that bring attention to animal issues were sponsored by Ark Trust, a nonprofit animal welfare group.

Presenters included David Hyde Pierce, who plays Niles Crane on NBC’s “Frasier.”

Asked what he thought of the hoopla, Jordy replied: “Beats me.”

The boy made headlines for saving money to bring Ben to the U.S. The bull is now a steer because it was required to be castrated after it crossed the border a few weeks ago. It lives on a ranch in Chino Hills.

Jordy visits Ben on weekends.

When an event organizer introduced Jordy to the crowd and announced he had vowed to end bullfighting in his lifetime, Jordy jumped on his seat and gave a peace sign. The crowd applauded.