Anti-rodeo protesters will gather at the Waikato Rodeo tomorrow to protest animal abuse for entertainment happening on council-owned land at Kihikihi Domain.
Animal advocacy organisation Direct Animal Action (DAA) are coordinating the protest and will be encouraging people not to attend the rodeo.
DAA spokesperson Apollo Taito says the group has been protesting the Waikato Rodeo, and other rodeos across the country, for approaching a decade.
"Enough is enough", says Mr Taito.
“We’ve written to Mayor Susan O'Regan of the Waipā District Council advocating that the council no longer allow the Waikato Rodeo, or any rodeo events, to take place at Kihikihi Domain or other council-owned land.
“In our letter, we asked Mayor O’Regan to consider replacing the rodeo event with something more suited to the needs of the community and the values of the council. Country fairs, farmers markets and food festivals would be welcomed by the community, along with a more diverse range of reputable sports and recreational activities.
“We’ve also spoken with Ange Holt, Chair of the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board, advocating for the board to endorse our call for a to stop the event in 2025.
“In addition, we've got a new government after people voted for change. We hope this change of direction for our country will mean positive outcomes for animals used in rodeo.
“The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) said they are bringing forward a review of the Code of Welfare for Rodeo following a legal challenge of rodeo in the High Court by the New Zealand Animal Law Association and SAFE.
“NAWAC are talking about removing the worst aspects of rodeo, including spurring, flank strapping, calf roping, bull riding and steer wrestling.
“If NAWAC followed through on this, it would effectively see the end of rodeo in our country, including in the Waikato. It can’t happen soon enough.
“Every year, young calves, bulls and horses are bullied, abused and killed by so-called cowboys, all for the entertainment of a minority.
“There’s no place for rodeo in modern Aotearoa New Zealand,” said Mr Taito.
ENDS
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