Rodeo protesters will face off against cowboys this Saturday in Whangarei

What: ‘Ban Rodeo’ protest at Mid-Northern Rodeo

When: Saturday 13th January 2018, 12pm

Where: 32 Kokopu Road, Maungatapere, Whangarei

This Saturday will see protesters outside the Mid Northern Rodeo for the third year in a row.

The group Direct Animal Action will hold large ‘STOP’ signs at the entrance of the event, calling on the new Government to stop rodeo by banning it in New Zealand.

“This rodeo season has already seen a number of protests outside rodeos across New Zealand. The last one we organised outside Warkworth Rodeo earlier this month had over 100 people attend,” says Direct Animal Action spokesperson Apollo Taito.

“We’re expecting a good turn out this Saturday from Whangarei locals, Northlanders, Aucklanders and we’re even expecting some to travel up from the Waikato,”

“We’re starting to see a really strong shift away from rodeo in our society. When you’ve got Kiwi icons like the Lions Club New Zealand dropping their support of rodeo, you know this ‘sport’s’ days are numbered,”

“We absolutely congratulate the Green Party for putting forward a Private Members Bill that will ban the worst aspects of rodeo - calf roping and flank straps.

"But we’re calling on the Greens and the rest of the Government to take stronger action by banning rodeo full stop. No one wants to see animal abuse for entertainment anymore, rodeo has had its day in our country,” says Mr. Taito

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