Rodeo operators in NSW do not have to record or report injuries and deaths of animals.
At the Moruya Rodeo on 1 January this year, a steer was so distressed in the chute that he tore his horn almost completely off. This would have been incredibly painful.
This appalling event was filmed by dedicated volunteers from Animal Liberation, even though rodeo organisers tried to prevent any such filming. Why? To hide the cruelty and pain?
We do not know when, or even if, that steer received veterinary attention. Vets are not required to be present at rodeos, even though the NSW Animal Welfare Advisory Council has said that vet attendance should be mandatory, as is the case with horse racing. The rodeo industry has pushed back repeatedly against this.
In July this year, the Australian Veterinary Association released a new policy on rodeos, calling for at least one veterinarian to be in attendance at every rodeo event, adding yet another respected voice to the concerns about animal welfare in rodeos.
We must tell the Government to stop turning a blind eye to this outrageous cruelty! Please share this petition, and encourage as many people as possible to speak up for these poor animals.
If you live in NSW, please sign my petition to the Parliament here:
Petition to Parliament - End Rodeo Cruelty
Thank you for your support, and thanks to Animal Liberation Queensland for the above photo, and for their work in filming rodeo events to show the reality of this abuse dressed up as sport or entertainment.