Source: MIL-OSI Submissions
Source: SAFE NZ
The Canterbury rodeo is part of the annual rodeo season, which last season saw two animals killed at rodeo events. Both animals died at the Mad Bull rodeo in Otago.
SAFE spokesperson Will Appelbe said rodeo events cause pain, fear and distress to animals.
“Every year, rodeo events cause torn ligaments, broken bones, bruising and internal damage,” said Appelbe. “The injuries can be so severe that bulls and horses are killed.”
“Our message to locals is to skip the rodeo and join us as we stand against the rodeo’s violence and bullying towards animals.”
Earlier this month SAFE launched a petition calling for a ban of the worst aspects of rodeo. The petition is directed to the Minister responsible for animal welfare, Hon Meka Whaitiri, who in 2018 asked the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) to produce a report on rodeo.
NAWAC’s report said the Committee had “serious concerns” over the “substantial negative impacts” on animals used in steer wrestling and calf roping. They also stated that bucking events “have a variety of negative impacts” on the horses, bulls and steers used.
“In 2017, the Labour Party promised to ban some of the worst aspects of rodeo. Voters have now given them a clear mandate, and action is long overdue,” said Appelbe.
“Rodeos are inconsistent with Kiwi values. We encourage all New Zealanders to send a clear message to the Government by signing our petition.”
SAFE is New Zealand’s leading animal rights organisation.
We’re creating a future that ensures the rights of animals are respected. Our core work empowers society to make kinder choices for ourselves, animals and our planet.
The protest will begin at 11am, Monday 4 January 2021 at the Canterbury Rodeo. 431 Mandeville Road, Mandeville, North Canterbury.
– SAFE’s petition is calling on the Associate Minister of Agriculture (Animal Welfare) Hon Meka Whaitiri, on behalf of the House of Representatives, to prohibit the use of bucking (flank) straps, electric prods, tail twisting, spurs, animal wrestling, team roping and calves under 12 months old in New Zealand rodeo events.
– Footage from Methven and Winchester rodeos, October 2020.
– Hi-res photos of rodeo cruelty.
– The report said NAWAC had “serious concerns” over the “substantial negative impacts” on animals used in steer wrestling and calf roping. They also stated that bucking events, which use horses, bulls and steers, “have a variety of negative impacts” on the animals.
– Before the last election, Labour promised to end the use of calves under 12 months of age, bucking straps (also known as flank straps), electric prods and rope burning at rodeo events.
– More than half (59%) of the respondents in a Horizon Research survey said they would support a ban on using animals in rodeos in New Zealand.
– Two bulls were killed at Mad Bull rodeo events in November and December 2019. The first bull was killed after his back was injured, and the second after his leg was caught in a pen. Last year was the Mad Bull Rodeo Club’s first season. The new club was not investigated following these deaths.
