PRESS RELEASE
09/01/09
HORSE DIES ON BRINK OF NEW LEGISLATION FOR RODEOS
“Billy the Kid”, the bronco who died last night after crashing into a barrier gate in the Staunch Energy
Drink National Finals Rodeo at the Convention & Exhibition Centre on the Gold Coast will not benefit
from new legislation underway from the Queensland government that is designed to place stricter
parameters on rodeo events. New State Standards and Guidelines for Rodeos will come into effect early
this year. Standards will be legally mandated requirements that all rodeos must fulfill and there is also the
possibility that some events may not be allowed in the future.
Accidents, or injury to animals in rodeos, are not as rare an event as claimed by Australian Professional
Rodeo Association general manager Steve Hilton. The potential for rodeos to cause injuries to both rider
and animal has resulted in rodeos being banned in the United Kingdom under section one of the
Protection of Animals Act 1934 and in the Australian Capital Territories under section 18 of the ACT
Animal Welfare Act 1992. Various individual events are banned in over a dozen jurisdictions in the USA
– the home of the cowboy!
Mr Hilton’s claim that the industry has nothing to hide and that he is not bothered by the presence of
animal advocates in the audience does not hold water. Past experience of attendance at such events has
resulted in verbal abuse, attempts to frighten by bullying advocates off the premises, attempts to damage
video and camera equipment and even bodily assault causing grievous harm.
This so-called sport has nothing to do with Australia’s outback heritage and the skills of jackeroos and
everything to do with the American cowboy tradition, bright lights and theatrical showmanship.
The national peak body, Animals Australia, has monitored rodeos affiliated with the Australian
Professional Rodeo Association (APRA) for more than a decade and contrary to APRA’s claims, the
evidence gathered shows that animal welfare standards at APRA events are repeatedly compromised.
Unacceptably rough treatment of animals, calf dragging and jerk-back without disqualification, repeated
and deliberate misuse of the electric prod, and traumatised animals not being released from the chute, are
just some examples.
Animal Liberation Qld welcomes the government’s forthcoming Standards and Guidelines to set limits to
this so-called sport and calls on
The public who see this abuse of animals as unacceptable to avoid the products and services of
rodeo sponsors and write to the company directors explaining why and
The Australian Veterinary Association to be more proactive in animal welfare education as they
are the leading organization relating to animal health
Parents to think twice before allowing children to attend such events given the mixed messages
they impart about how it is acceptable to treat animals – animals usually so loved by young
people.
Further information: Cynthia Burnett, media spokesperson 0412 100 539
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