Bulls death at Gisborne Rodeo yesterday angers protesters

What: ‘Ban Rodeo’ protest at Warkworth Rodeo
When: Tuesday 1st January 2019, 11am
Where: Warkworth A&P Showgrounds, State Highway 1, Warkworth

The first day of 2019 will see anti-rodeo protesters demonstrating outside the Warkworth Rodeo.

Protest organisers are feeling angry and frustrated after yet another death has been reported at a rodeo yesterday in Gisborne.

Video footage released shows a bull in distress with a snapped hind leg (1). It’s alleged the bull was killed after 25 minutes by gunshots to the head as no vet or animal welfare inspectors were present.

This is the second death this rodeo season. The first was of a horse at Methven Rodeo on the opening weekend of the season.

Direct Animal Action spokesperson Apollo Taito says the group has had enough of needless deaths at rodeos.

“While we’re pleased that the Labour-led Government asked the National Animal Welfare Committee (NAWAC) to take a closer look at the worst aspects of rodeo this year (2); it’s not enough.”

“We’ve had enough of seeing animals dying for entertainment at rodeos. This situation need urgent action now.”

“The Labour Party made a pre-election promise to ban the worst aspects of rodeo (3); tail twisting, rope-burning, flank-straps, the use of animals under 12 months (4) and electric shocking. This would at least be a start towards stopping the needless deaths.”

“Now we expect the Labour Party to follow through on their word. Too many animals have died already. We’re just hoping there’ll be no deaths at Warkworth Rodeo” said Mr Taito.

1. https://www.facebook.com/NZAntiRodeoCoalition/videos/511615089348876/?eid=ARC6doBCxoxroihRaA8vpWK2EtAcjwhkY1qbqchW-qtjRx0x2Vk0k_MUBaYFvBBmsHCZR0Fh7wKRyXRd
2. http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1810/S00217/animal-welfare-in-rodeo-practices-report-released.htm
3. https://www.animalagenda2017.org.nz/party-positions-labour
4. Calf roping and calf riding.

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