Time to end rodeo cruelty

The Tasmanian Greens today called for mandatory independent monitoring of rodeos in Tasmania and a ban on cruel events like bull riding and calf roping.

Greens Animal Welfare spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP today released documents obtained under Right to Information revealing shocking breaches of the Animal Welfare Act at the Harveydale Rodeo last year.

“The report obtained under Right To Information outlines a systemic problem across the state with animal welfare and veterinary care at rodeos,” Ms O’Connor.

“The video taken by animal welfare campaigners at Harveydale shows a steer falling on its side and breaking off its horn at the base, then stumbling around in obvious distress.”

“This is not about stopping people having fun, it’s about improving the quality of entertainment at rural events by eliminating cruelty to animals.”

“Horsemanship and animal husbandry are proud rural traditions, but there are very few rural people who would endorse the kind of animal cruelty that routinely occurs at rodeos in Tasmania.”

“Events like calf roping and bull riding barbaric spectacles more at home in the ancient Roman arena than in modern day rural Australia.”

“With a review currently underway into the Animal Welfare Act, the Greens are calling on the Minister to make it a legal requirement for an independent or departmental representative to be present at rodeos and similar events.”

Download: Documents obtained under Right to Information relating to animal welfare breaches at the Harveydale Rodeo.

Apr10_RTI_on_Animal_Welfare_Breaches_at_Harveydale_Rodeo_(1)_ATTACH_.pdf

Apr10_RTI_on_Animal_Welfare_Breaches_at_Harveydale_Rodeo_(2)_ATTACH_.pdf