RODEO CRUELTY

safe.org.nz

Based upon my extensive experience with large animals,

I have come to the conclusion that rodeo events are
inherently inhumane. It is impossible to create a humane rodeo.
Peggy Larson former rodeo rider, vet and farmer.

Touted as traditional displays

of skill and bravery in tackling
untamed wild animals, rodeos
are inherently cruel and subject
animals to fear, stress and the
risk of injury and death.
Unlike the contestants, who voluntarily
risk injury by participating in events,
the animals have no such choice
they are captive performers.

ITS TIME
TO BAN RODEO
IN NEW ZEALAND

CRUEL ENTERTAINMENT
During events, animals are grabbed,
chased, wrestled, and roped in
aggressive displays.
They are stressed and frightened,
unaware that it is just for fun
and entertainment.
The animals used are not wild and
are coerced into aggressive behaviour
by painful or irritating means such as
electric prods, tail twisting, spurs and
flank straps, which are tightly cinched
around the abdomen.

THE EVENTS
Standard events include bareback horse riding, saddle bronc
riding, bareback bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping,
barrel racing and calf roping.
Calf roping is considered to be one of the cruellest components
of a rodeo. Terrified calves are chased at high speed, roped around
the neck and thrown to the ground; a horrific experience causing
stress, fear, pain and sometimes injury.
The New Zealand Code of Welfare for Rodeos acknowledges
that ideally calves should not be used in rodeo events, but there
is no legal weight behind that recommendation.

PROVOKED & TORMENTED

Footage shot across many New Zealand rodeos has shown
that animals are prodded, slapped and harassed prior to entering
the rodeo ring to encourage them to perform, by increasing
their anxiety and stress.
Injuries can result from animals crashing into barricades,
being thrown to the ground, and leaping uncontrollably
as they try to throw a rider.

RISK OF INJURY
Animals in rodeo can sustain torn ligaments, broken bones,
bruising and internal injuries. In the 2014-15 season two bulls
had to be euthanised due to injuries, and some animals are sent
to the slaughterhouse when the rodeo is done with them.
Rodeo is touted by supporters as a great day out for the whole
family. However, the abuse seen at rodeos can desensitise children
to the suffering of animals and teach them that cruelty is acceptable.

INTERNATIONAL CONDEMNATION
Condemned by vets, welfare experts and animal protection
organisations worldwide and even some ex-rodeo riders,
rodeo is partially banned in Britain, other parts of Europe and
areas of the United States and Australia. Other countries
prohibit certain events such as calf roping. In New Zealand
rodeo is banned from Auckland Council land.

What you can do

Boycott rodeo and encourage others to do the same
Take action at safe.org.nz supporting our call for a rodeo ban
Write to your local newspaper and rodeo sponsors explaining
why you will not be going to the rodeo
Donate to support SAFEs work protecting animals at safe.org.nz

safe.org.nz