Rodeo a blemish

It has saddened me to see the billboards around town advertising the Mid Northern Rodeo to be held this weekend. Rodeo is nothing more that animal cruelty and torment, and it’s a discredit to our local community that we allow this practice to continue.

Whanga¯rei is a vibrant community filled with creative and passionate people. We host wonderful events throughout the year, such as the Artisans Fair Markets, the InnoNative Market hosted by He Puna Marama Trust, and the popular annual Fritter Festival.

These kinds of events bring people together and support our local talent. Rodeo on the other hand, is a blemish on our community. Horses and bulls are forced to perform — flank straps are used to inflict painful irritation and cause animals to buck.

Vulnerable and terrified young calves are tormented by being chased, roped around the neck and yanked off their feet at high speed. These practices cause enormous stress and pain, as well as inflict serious injuries such as broken bones and torn ligaments.

Two animals this season were killed after horrific accidents during the recent Methven and Gisborne rodeos. This kind of animal abuse is not acceptable, and I can’t see how it can be viewed as “entertainment”.

Please show you care about animal welfare by boycotting the Mid Northern Rodeo, and choosing a kinder, more compassionate way to be entertained this weekend.

Nellie Whanga¯ rei