SAFE Animal Squad
In New Zealand, when we think of the great Kiwi summer, we think of getting outdoors, swimming in the ocean, and spending time with loved ones in the endless sunshine.
However this year, like many other years, some families will be heading to the rodeo. Can you believe this still exists in New Zealand?
Before the last election, more than 64,000 people told our Government they wanted a complete ban on rodeo. Before they were elected, Labour promised to ban some of the cruellest aspects of rodeo, but they have failed to keep their promise.
Rodeo is a brutal form of entertainment that inflicts terror upon innocent animals. Their bodies suffer horrific injuries such as broken necks, haemorrhaging, dislocations and organ damage. Some of them die as a result – all so that a small group of people can ‘play cowboy.’
No one should die, terrified, while the crowds cheer on. How we treat our animals is a reflection of who we are as a society – and New Zealanders are better than this.
The use of calves is one of the cruellest aspects of rodeo.
In calf roping or ‘rope and tie’, calves as young as three months old are chased at high speed, dragged to a sudden stop with a choking rope around the neck and thrown to the ground. This is a horrific experience causing stress, fear and pain.
Calf riding is an event where these baby animals are ridden by children. An irritating flank strap, which makes them buck, is wrenched tight around their hindquarters before they are forced into the ring.
The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC), who advises the Government on animal welfare issues and policy, has repeatedly spoken out against the use of calves in rodeo, most recently in its 2018 Rodeo 5 Domains Workshop Report.
Together we can end this cruelty in New Zealand.
Take action
Email National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) asking it to modify the Rodeo Code of Welfare to prohibit the use of calves under 12 months old in rodeo.
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