The first day of 2019 saw anti-rodeo protesters from Direct Animal Action demonstrating outside the Warkworth Rodeo. They had ‘tombstone’ placards with RIP written on them.
Protest organisers are feeling angry and frustrated after a bull died at Gisborne Rodeo in December 2018.
The bulls death was the third animal death at a rodeo in 2018. A bull died at Martinborough Rodeo in March and a horse died at Methven Rodeo in October.
Direct Animal Action spokesperson Apollo Taito says the group has had enough of needless deaths at rodeos.
“The continuous animal deaths at rodeos makes it clear that the rodeo cowboys attempts at self regulating are not working and its actually farcicle.”
“The Labour Party made a pre-election promise to ban the worst aspects of rodeo; tail twisting, rope-burning, flank-straps, the use of animals under 12 months and electric shocking.”
“We’re appealing directly to Prime Minister Ardern; your Party must follow through on its pre-election promises. It’s the only way to stop these needless deaths,” says Mr Taito.
