What: ‘Ban Rodeo’ protest at Mid-Northern Rodeo
When: Saturday 12 January 12pm
Where: 32 Kokopu Block Road, Maungatapere

Today anti-rodeo protesters from Direct Animal Action will demonstrate outside the Mid-Northern Rodeo in Whangarei holding tombstone shaped placards with “RIP” written on them.

Protest organisers are angry and frustrated following a number of animal deaths in rodeo over 2018.

A bull died at Martinborough Rodeo in March, a horse died at Methven Rodeo in October and another bull died at Gisborne Rodeo in December.

Yesterday it was revealed that a horse also died at Gisborne Rodeo but rodeo organisers kept it quiet.

Direct Animal Action spokesperson Apollo Taito says the group has had enough of needless deaths at rodeos and it's very concerning that rodeo organisers don't have to report on animal fatalities meaning there's no official record of total deaths.

"There's so much secrecy in rodeo. Many rodeos have banned cameras. They've got a lot to hide."

“We're pleased the Labour-led Government asked the National Animal Welfare Committee (NAWAC) to take a closer look at the worst aspects of rodeo last year (1); but it’s just not enough.”

“Before they came to power, Labour promised to ban the worst aspects of rodeo (2); tail twisting, rope-burning, flank-straps, the use of animals under 12 months (3) and electric shocking."

"This would at least be a start towards stopping needless deaths because clearly the rodeo cowboys attempts at self regulation are not working and are in fact a sick joke.”

“We’re sick of seeing animals dying for entertainment at rodeos. How many more animals need to die before Labour follow through on their pre-election promises?”

“A Mid-Northern Rodeo handler was found guilty of animal cruelty after shocking calves in 2017. We’re just hoping there’ll be no deaths today," said Mr Taito.

1. http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1810/S00217/animal-welfare-in-rodeo-practices-report-released.htm
2. https://www.animalagenda2017.org.nz/party-positions-labour
3. Calf roping and calf riding.

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