Protesters To Urge Public To Buck ‘Shameful’ Bull Riders Event

Animal advocacy campaigners will protest against the country’s first 'Professional Bull Riders' (PBR) event held in Christchurch tonight.

SAFE and their supporters will stage a colourful demonstration to highlight the cruelty of rodeo near the event at the Horncastle Arena. SAFE aims to remind passersby and rodeo-goers that forcing terrified bulls to perform for the sake of entertainment is animal cruelty.

SAFE says the idea that the bulls are ‘professional athletes’ living a pampered life, as portrayed by organisers, is ridiculous. “PBR claims that the bulls are treated with as much respect as the riders, but this simply is not true,” says Hans Kriek, SAFE executive director. “Although rodeo cowboys voluntarily risk injury by participating in events, the animals have no such choice.”

“They will be stressed, and afraid each time. Bulls naturally do not buck but are forced to do so through the use of the flank strap. It really is a shameful practice,” says Mr Kriek.

SAFE campaigns extensively against rodeos and just two weeks ago were celebrating the closure of the Huntly Rodeo after an investigation by the Ministry for Primary Industries found that animals had been mistreated. “The rodeo organisers admitted that they could not guarantee the safety of the animals at future rodeos and decided to close down rather than risk a $50,000 fine or three months in jail,” says Mr Kriek.

SAFE says what is portrayed as a fun family evening is a nightmare experience for the animals. They are urging people to boycott rodeo events.

SAFE demonstration
SAFE will protest at 6pm, corner Lincoln Road and Whiteleigh Avenue, Christchurch with banners, placards and people dressed in animal costumes.

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