A Nebraska man made quite the impression on local law enforcement in a resurfaced viral video, and it had nothing to do with speeding or a broken taillight. Officers with the Norfolk Police Department were dispatched after receiving reports of a vehicle traveling eastbound on Highway 275 with what appeared to be a cow riding in the passenger seat.
While the traffic stop itself happened in 2023, the video and photos have recently found new life online, introducing the bizarre Nebraska bull ride to new audiences. Given the unusual vehicle modifications involved and the sheer absurdity of seeing a Watusi bull riding shotgun, we thought it was worth revisiting.
The driver was identified as Lee Meyer of Neligh, Nebraska, and his passenger was a Watusi bull named Howdy Doody. Known for their massive, wide-spanning horns, Watusi cattle are hard to miss. As it turns out, Howdy Doody was riding in a heavily modified car specifically built to accommodate him.
Officers later admitted they initially expected to find a calf. Instead, they encountered a full-grown bull calmly occupying the front passenger seat. The traffic stop went about as smoothly as one can when a horned bovine is staring out the window.
Police addressed what they described as “citable issues” with the arrangement, issued warnings rather than citations, and asked Meyer to turn around and leave the city. Meyer and his hooved co-pilot complied without incident, and both made it home safely.
Who Exactly Is Howdy Doody, and Why Was He in a Car?
Howdy Doody is a Watusi bull, a breed with origins in the Great Lakes region of Africa, where they were historically prized by royalty and tribal leaders. Ankole-Watusi cattle are recognized by their enormous horns and remain relatively uncommon in the United States.
As for why Howdy Doody ended up riding shotgun through Norfolk, that part remains a little murky in the way only the best small-town stories can be. What is clear is that this was apparently not entirely out of character for Meyer, who seems to have had the kind of relationship with his bull that made a car ride seem perfectly reasonable.
The vehicle itself had been modified to accommodate the animal, helping explain how a full-grown Watusi bull was able to fit in the passenger seat in the first place. While it may have looked shocking to passing motorists, it was clearly not a spur-of-the-moment decision.
What Nebraska Law Says About Livestock in Vehicles
Nebraska, like most states, does not have a law specifically written around the scenario of a Watusi bull riding in a passenger seat. However, officers still had grounds to stop the vehicle and address potential safety concerns.
When a large animal occupies the front seat of a moving vehicle, questions arise about visibility, driver distraction, and the safety of other motorists. Those concerns appear to have been what prompted officers to intervene.
Animal transport laws vary by state, but livestock are generally expected to be transported in a secure manner, typically in trailers or other equipment designed for the task. In this case, officers elected to issue warnings rather than citations and asked Meyer to leave the city.
The Internet Reacts, as the Internet Does
Stories like this tend to take on a life of their own online, and Howdy Doody’s road trip was no exception. Social media quickly filled with jokes, puns, and questions about everything from the car’s suspension to whether the bull was wearing a seatbelt.
Many commenters were simply impressed that the modified vehicle appeared capable of handling such a large passenger. Others wondered how Meyer managed to get Howdy Doody into the car in the first place.
The story also introduced many people to Watusi cattle for the first time. Between the enormous horns, the unusual vehicle modifications, and the good-natured response from police, it became the kind of bizarre Americana story that refuses to disappear from the internet.
Norfolk police handled the encounter with good humor, and everyone involved, man and bull alike, made it home safely. In a news cycle often dominated by heavier topics, it’s not hard to see why this unusual Nebraska traffic stop continues to resurface years later.
That was so cool to see. I think America needs more of this good lighthearted and happy news. We’ve gone too long without much to be. Enjoyed.!!
Thank you!!! You made our day. That’s exactly why we share some silly articles alongside the more serious fare.
Not every story needs to be about recalls, crashes, or courtroom drama. Sometimes it’s just a giant bull riding shotgun, a Corvette wrapped like Lightning McQueen, or some other wonderfully weird thing that makes people smile for a few minutes.
We’re glad you enjoyed it, and we appreciate you taking the time to read and comment!