Every year in Aotearoa, calves, bulls and horses are tormented at rodeo events, while dogs and horses are pushed to their limits on racetracks. Despite hundreds of injuries and dozens of deaths at these events each year, the Government continues to allow these industries to self-regulate animal welfare with no external oversight.
The Animal Welfare Act 1999 is designed to protect animals from unnecessary pain and distress, however animals used for entertainment are not afforded this.
It is unacceptable for the industries profiting from the clear mistreatment of animals to oversee their own animal welfare regulations. We need a Commissioner for Animals to undertake an extensive review to identify the flaws within the current system and to ensure the Animal Welfare Act 1999 is upheld.