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Rodeos
are no longer welcome in New Zealand’s largest city. Auckland City Council
resolved last week that as a matter of policy no rodeos would be permitted
on council land because of animal welfare concerns. The decision, a first
for New Zealand, has been applauded by national animal advocacy organisation
SAFE.
“SAFE
congratulates Mayor John Banks and his councillors for recognising the
importance of animal welfare following a submission made by SAFE. This
monumental decision demonstrates that Auckland City Council is serious
about preventing animal abuse. It is an enlightened stance that we hope
will be emulated by councils around the country,” says SAFE campaign director
Hans Kriek.
“Rodeo
animals are goaded, tormented and forced to endure needless suffering and
gross mistreatment, all for the sake of so-called entertainment,” says
Mr Kriek.
SAFE
believes the council’s ban will thwart efforts by an international rodeo
promoter to bring his animal cruelty spectacle to Auckland as part of Rugby
World Cup events in 2011. Craig Douglas organised New Zealand’s first international
indoor rodeo held last year in Christchurch, which was fiercely opposed
by SAFE.
Correspondence
to Mr Douglas from Councillor Cathy Casey following the council’s decision
highlights the diverse support for the ban within the Council. She writes:
“Mr Banks and I don't agree on too much politically but on animal rights
he has my complete backing.”
“Rodeos
are turning into extravagant pyrotechnic-charged spectacles in an effort
to attract a new inner-city audience, however these events are still founded
on abusing animals. The Auckland City Council’s decision sends a strong
message to the rodeo industry that Auckland does not tolerate animal cruelty,”
says Mr Kriek.
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