Code of Welfare can’t protect rodeo animals

Recently the following statement was released by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) - “Everyone responsible for organising the event, handling animals or competing at the National Finals Rodeo at Outram this weekend must adhere to the Code of Welfare for rodeos”. See the full of article here - http://goo.gl/6IC2Ds

After the National Rodeo Final being held in Outram over the weekend, members of Christchurch Animal Rights Action (CARA) have confirmed that they witnessed several breaches of the Rodeo Code of Welfare during the event.

“We witnessed Calf roping lasting a lot longer than 30 seconds, animals attempting to jump out of their chutes (or going down in their chutes) and then still being ridden as well as other serious breaches of the Rodeo Code of Welfare” said one of the CARA members.

“This just goes to show that even when rodeo organisers, handlers and competitors are trying their hardest to adhere to the Code, it is near impossible to ensure that these animals are treated well. Rodeos fundamentally require animals to be in some level of discomfort and distress, otherwise they wouldn’t buck or run. If we really want to protect rodeo animals we need to ban the rodeo, it’s that simple” added the activist.

CARA also held a protest outside the rode final. They are standing united with other groups such as SAFE, the SPCA and Farmwatch who are also calling for a ban on rodeos in NZ. You can sign their petition here - https://goo.gl/ZcXVzh

ENDS

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