NZ rodeo advocates defend calf-riding event amid outrage over 'distressing' video

Friday, 12 January 2018

NZ rodeo said there is not one shred of scientific proof that calves suffer from being roped or rode at rodeo events

WARNING: This story and accompanying video contain content which may disturb some readers.

New Zealand rodeo advocates are defending an upcoming calf-riding event amid outrage over the 'barbaric' past-time.

SAFE released images of animals' injuries from previous years' Mid Northern rodeo in Whangarei

Ahead of a rodeo event in Northland this weekend, industry watchdog SAFE has released a 'distressing' video illustrating the perceived cruelty inflicted upon young cattle at rodeo meets across New Zealand over the past two years.

The video appears to show calves, some as young as 12 weeks old, collapsing or crawling around on their knees while being forcibly ridden for entertainment.

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The selected clips were acquired from Warkworth, Mohaka, Mataura and Mid Northern rodeos in 2016 and 2017.

However, the NZ Rodeo Cowboys Association said 'there is not one shred of scientific proof that calves suffer'.

'There isn't a problem,' said national spokesman Michael Laws.

'The calf-riding event is designed to enable younger and lighter competitors to participate in rodeo … there are very clear rules. Calves must not buckle under the weight – they must be able to support and MUST be able to exit the area both alert and uninjured.'

Yet the footage appears to show calves collapsing, bucking violently, crawling or refusing to move.

One even appears to be kicked in the belly multiple times by a child rider when it remains stationary.

SAFE's Mandy Carter said it was 'absolutely appalling' and embarrassing that the event is still allowed to happen in New Zealand.

'We shouldn't be abusing and bullying animals for the sake of entertainment.'

Yet Laws said 'animals (who are trained to compete) actually enjoy the process', according to some studies.

'Many NZ animals are saved from either euthanasia or pet food cans by their involvement.'

As for the videos?

'[We] can't take these videos seriously. Our experience is that they have been edited by activists.'

Independent MPI officials and vets oversee rodeo events and report any infractions, he said.

Calf-riding was just one of the 18 events planned for the annual Mid Northern rodeo in Whangarei this weekend.

Organisers said they were expecting a turnout of around 3000 people, while a growing number of animal rights protesters hoped challenge the cowboys for support.

Protest organisers, Direct Animal Action, said if the New Year's Day protest in Warkworth was anything to go by, they will have over 100 people holding large 'STOP' signs at the entrance of the event, at midday Saturday.

'We're expecting a good turn-out this Saturday from Whangarei locals, Northlanders, Aucklanders — and we're even expecting some to travel up from the Waikato,' said spokesman Apollo Taito.

'We're starting to see a really strong shift away from rodeo in our society. When you've got Kiwi icons like the Lions Club New Zealand dropping their support of rodeo, you know this 'sport's' days are numbered.'

Recent years have seen an increase in protest action as well as calls to ban the controversial sport, with some sponsors even pulling out.

Direct Animal Action said the sport is barbaric and were calling on the new Government to stop rodeo by banning it in New Zealand.

'We absolutely congratulate the Green Party for putting forward a Private Members Bill that will ban the worst aspects of rodeo - calf-roping and flank straps.

'But we're calling on the Greens and the rest of the Government to take stronger action by banning rodeo full stop. No-one wants to see animal abuse for entertainment anymore: rodeo has had its day in our country,' said Taito.