We are students at New Plymouth Girls’ High School, and are currently working on a Level Three Social Studies assessment. As part of our internal, we’re encouraged to carry out a social action on an issue we care about. We have chosen to focus on animal welfare in New Zealand rodeos, an area that requires urgent attention.

Rodeos are a traditional form of entertainment in New Zealand, often celebrated for their cultural significance and rural skill showcase. However, they also raise significant concerns about animal welfare. The current NAWAC Code of Welfare for Rodeos (2018) includes various recommendations intended to protect animals from unnecessary harm during these events. Unfortunately, many of these recommendations are non-mandatory, meaning that adherence is not enforced by law. This leaves significant room for potential neglect and abuse of animals involved.

Recent studies and reports have highlighted instances where animals have been mistreated at rodeos, sometimes suffering from stress, injuries, and distress during events. According to SAFE for Animals, a New Zealand animal advocacy organization, animals such as calves, bulls, and horses endure significant stress and risk severe injuries in rodeos. These facts point towards the urgent need for stricter regulations to ensure that the well-being of these animals is prioritized.

The goal here is clear: amend the existing NAWAC Code of Welfare for Rodeos (2018) to transform important non-mandatory recommendations into enforceable laws. By doing so, we can guarantee that those who harm animals in rodeos are held legally accountable, ensuring justice and protection for these creatures who cannot advocate for themselves.

By signing this petition, you are helping us ensure that rodeos responsibly respect animal welfare. Please sign this petition to make animal welfare a mandatory part of rodeo events in New Zealand.

Here are the particular recommendations we are hoping could be made mandatory:

Part 4: Selecting and Accepting Animals for Rodeo
4.1 a) Calves should not be used in rodeo events.
4.2 d) Tails should not be lifted, pulled or twisted.

Part 5: Equipment
5.2 b) Equipment should be regularly cleaned to remove grit, sand, sweat, or dirt.
5.2 c) Bits should contain no rough or sharp surfaces that may cause damage to the mouth.
5.2 d) Ropes used in rodeo events should be pliable and not made of material likely to cause burns or injuries to animals.

Part 6: Specific Events
6.3 a) Calves that haven’t been used earlier in the day should be prioritised.
6.3 b) Calves’ tails should not be twisted or pulled to encourage movement.
6.3 d) Calves should not be used in rodeo events.