Activists to give Hills rodeo plan rough ride

20 June 2012

A RODEO planned for the Adelaide Hills has angered animal welfare activists.

Animals Australia executive director Glenys Oogjes has written to sponsors and the venue, the Adelaide Hills Equestrian Centre at Lobethal, asking them to reconsider staging the event "due to the cruel nature of rodeo events".

"Animals Australia has monitored rodeos for many years and evidence reveals animals, particularly horses, in a constant state of anxiety and fear," she said. "Injuries and deaths, and a clear and deliberate disregard for animal welfare and the standards which govern these events have been witnessed."

The letter includes a copy of footage obtained at Australian rodeos, including South Australia, where horses died.

The Australian Professional Rodeo Association rejects the assertion that rodeo is cruel. Spokesman Steve Bradshaw said the association took animal welfare "extremely seriously".

"Rodeo is legal in all Australian states, subject to very strict codes of practice and subject to animal laws that apply in each state, " he said.

Mr Bradshaw said it was a good idea to have a rodeo in the Hills because it would bring a rural exhibition to city people for an "exciting experience".

Profits from the event will be donated to local charitable organisations.

By Clare Peddie, The Advertiser

 

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