Rodeo Season Attracting Record Numbers

The New Zealand rodeo season is in full swing and rodeo organisers are reporting record numbers of spectators at events.

The annual Wanaka Rodeo is to be hosted at Albert Town Showgrounds tomorrow (Tuesday 2 January) with Hon. Ron Mark MP as the rodeo’s Grand Marshal and special guest.

“ Despite the protests of some animal activists at some events, the truth is that the animals involved are humanely treated, under an independent Rodeo Code and with supervising veterinarians present,” says Michael Laws, communications director for the NZ Rodeo & Cowboys Association.

“ In 2016, Parliament investigated rodeo practices and pronounced itself satisfied that our sport was an essential part of rural New Zealand and that our treatment of the animals involved was both professional and humane.”

NZ Rodeo seeks to promote rodeo as a family friendly sport and entertainment and “that’s why we don’t tolerate the mistreatment of animals. It’s the human participants that are at far greater risk!”

The 2016 parliamentary inquiry comprised representatives of all major parliamentary parties. Only the Green Party demurred from the inquiry’s findings.

“ There has been a great deal of misinformation provided through social media, and to mainstream media, by some animal activists. The truth is that there is no scientific evidence of any harm being inflicted upon our rodeo animals.”

ENDS

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