Is Animal Fear and Pain Justifiable Entertainment in the 21st Century?

ANIMAL WELFARE CONCERNS OVER RODEOS RAISED
Is Animal Fear and Pain Justifiable Entertainment in the 21st Century?

Cassy O’Connor MP
Greens Animal Welfare spokesperson
Thursday, 23 August 2012

The Tasmanian Greens today took to the State Parliament a national campaign raising awareness of animal welfare concerns over rodeos.

Greens Animal Welfare spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP said that while there are aspects of rodeo festivities which are not contentious, there are serious concerns over whether exploiting the fear and pain of animals is an appropriate form of entertainment in the 21st century.

“Many Tasmanians would still shudder at the recollection of the horrific incident at Carrick in 2006 which saw a bull with a broken-back being forced to its feet and having to drag its paralysed hind quarters up a ramp to remove it from the ring.”

“While we recognise that, since then, it is mandatory for there to be a veterinarian on site at rodeos, that fact in itself is recognition that serious injury to animals, all in the name of fun, can and will occur.”

“Surely this cruel spectator sport, which can involve bulls, calves and horses, is not an appropriate form of entertainment in the 21st century? Society and community expectations have evolved since the Roman circuses, but this practice is still stuck in ancient history.”

“Codes of Conduct and the presence of veterinarians cannot guarantee animals will not suffer serious injury or need to be euthanased.”

“The Greens recognise there are other events such as horse-riding and children’s barrel-racing events held at local rodeos which do not cause community concern. However, it is time to rethink other events associated with rodeos which are based on physically provoking animals by the use of spurs and electric prods into wild behaviour and which results too often in horrific injuries being inflicted on those cattle or horses.”

“We urge people to take advantage of the current review into the State’s Animal Welfare Act 1993, and make submissions highlighting that these activities based on exploiting animals fear and pain are out of step with modern community expectations,” Ms O’Connor said.

Rodeos are completely banned in the A.C.T, Britain and across parts of Europe and the United States.