Rodeo rules changed for animal safety

KIWI cowboys have announced rule changes to improve animal safety at rodeos.

While an animal welfare group says the changes represent progress, they are not backing down from their call for an immediate ban.

The NZ Rodeo Cowboys Association confirmed yesterday it had reviewed its animal welfare practices and would implement the following four changes for the upcoming 201819 season, beginning at Labour weekend. —

A Improve the ‘‘training and competence’’ of contestants in both the steer wrestling and rope and tie events.

A Allow only one ‘‘legal catch attempt’’ in the rope and tie event. A Allow only one run to catch the animal in the rope and tie and steer wrestling events (meaning the animal cannot be chased around the arena). A A minimum weight limit of 200kg for stock in the now optional calf ride event, an increase from the previous limit of 150kg.

President Lyal Cocks said the association was constantly reviewing events to improve safety for competitors and animals, and this year’s annual general meeting had confirmed the rule changes.

‘‘We are seeking to insure that any animal injuries at rodeo events, as rare as they might be, are neither due to poor practice nor inadequate training.’’

Animal advocacy group Safe chief executive officer Debra Ashton said the changes represented progress and it welcomed any improvements to animal welfare regulations.

‘‘However, rodeo is inherently a cruel sport and animal welfare is an afterthought,’’ she said.

‘‘Slight changes to the rules don’t represent wholesale change to what is a terrifying experience for the animals involved.

‘‘They are captive entertainers and have no choice in the matter.’’

Ms Ashton said Safe was still calling for an immediate ban on rodeos and would continue protest action. ‘‘We will make our opposition known at rodeos for as long as they continue to occur.’’