It’s time to buck the rodeo

On February 1, animals will be subjected to fear, stress and torment in the name of so-called ‘‘entertainment’’ at the Martinborough Rodeo.

Rodeo events are nothing more than a form of bullying. Ordinarily docile bulls and horses are painfully forced into aggressive behaviour, through the use of painfully irritating flank straps which cause them to buck. Vulnerable young calves will be put through the stress of being roped around the neck and yanked off their feet at high speed. These practices not only cause tremendous stress but can cause serious injuries to the animals, including torn ligaments, broken bones, severe bruising and even death.

Rodeo is condemned by vets, welfare experts and animal protection organisations worldwide, and Horizon research shows that two out of three Kiwis agree that rodeo causes suffering to animals.

The rodeo season has already had three casualties. A horse was killed during a horrific incident at the Methven Rodeo in October, and two animals were killed at the Gisborne Rodeo in December.

This is despite the New Zealand Rodeo Cowboys Association’s new ‘‘suggested practices’’ introduced in response to growing animal welfare concerns at rodeo events.

If those in the Martinborough area care about animals and disagree with animal abuse, I urge them to please avoid rodeo events.

Will Appelbe, SAFE