Rodeo: Is this a humane form of entertainment? By Monique Anderson - NZ Specific
Objectives To investigate the ethical effects of Rodeos held in New Zealand Are they a humane form of entertainment?
Rodeo Events Bareback Barrel Racing Team Roping Steer wrestling Saddle Bronc Bull Riding
Gains for owner/handlers Tradition Entertainment Breeding Money Excitement Skill Debbie Porteous. (23, April 2013). Rodeo Issue Still Being Tossed Round. Otago Daily Times.
Gains for Society Money! Publicity – gaining supporters or loosing them Entertainment
Gains for the Animal Excitement/thrill of performance Mental stimulation Exercise/training = keeping fit
“There's truly nothing entertaining about tormenting and teasing terrified animals. ” Lynn Charlton, NZ Herald, 12 February
Genetics – selective breeding Flank strap – supposedly does not induce pain, works off pressure Irritation/rubbing raw Burns/Chaffing Ralf Clarke. What makes them Buck. Retrieved from : Bucking
Costs Public debate Potential animal harm Potential break of animal welfare act Retrieved from:
Conclusion There will always be debate between animal right protesters and NZ Rodeo association. More laws likely to be enforced, “bubble rapping the event”. There are always going to be some contestants who break the animals rights act. Making everyone involved appear guilty.
References Website: 5/07/13 5/07/13 9/07/ /07/13 5/07/13 Newspaper articles: Debbie Porteous. (23, April 2013). Rodeo Issue Still Being Tossed Round. Otago Daily Times. Lynn Charlton. (12, February 2013). Lynne Charlton: Rodeo Fun just a theatre of cruelty. The New Zealand Herald. Gwyneath Hyndman. (11, February 2013). Thrills and Spills as rodeo riders turn it on. The Southland Times. Personal accounts: Vicki Denby, rodeo comments