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A proposal calling for a ban on rodeos in Warkworth was presented to Rodney Local Board this month.
But the Board reserved its decision on whether or not to support the ban.
It says it will consider the proposal when it next assesses future applications to hold rodeos at the showgrounds.
Anti-Rodeo Action NZ representatives, Lynn Charlton and Jill Latham, told the Board’s Parks, Culture and Community Development committee meeting that the Warkworth Rodeo had often breached the Rodeo Code of Welfare.
The group made a series of complaints to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) about breaches of the welfare code at Warkworth and other rodeos over the past year.
Ms Charlton said the main issues were calf roping and steer wrestling events, which went over the 30-second time limit required under the code. Rodeo handlers also failed to release animals that attempted to jump from the chutes, she said.
“It was also common for animals to be hit and kicked and shocked by cattle prods,” she said.
MPI investigated the claims and found there had been several minor breaches during this year’s Warkworth Rodeo and had spoken with the Warkworth Rodeo Club.
Ms Charlton asked the Board to make complying with the welfare code a condition for allowing rodeos at Warkworth Showgrounds and if the club breached the code, the rodeos should be banned.
She also asked the Board to ban the Bullmania event for breaches of the code at last year’s event.
“We feel ratepayers should not be supporting a circus/bull riding club.”
However, Board members appeared reluctant to adopt the ban.
Member Steven Garner said many people viewed rodeos as an important part of rural life.
“Warkworth Rodeo has been going a long time. There’s an argument that they are part of rural NZ and build animal handling skills. Some of the skills the guys get they can take back to the farm and apply in a more positive way.”
Ms Charlton said animals were being assaulted and their was film footage to prove it.
“This is not part of rural life. These animals feel pain. To allow this to continue is like keeping us in caveman times.”
Member Thomas Grace said the treatment of animals at a rodeo wasn’t any different to farmers drenching stock in a cattle yard.
“If this gets traction, the next step will be cancelling horse racing,” Mr Grace said.
But Ms Charlton said the crucial difference was that drenching was necessary for animal health and safety, while rodeos were purely for entertainment.
Member James Colville was worried any changes would set a precedent.
“We come from a heritage of having to man-handle animals. When is this going to end? Will the next stage be not allowing animals to be transported in trucks?”
Warkworth Rodeo Club member Gary Jackson also presented to the Board. He said Ms Charlton’s claims were incorrect.
Member Phelan Pirrie asked Mr Jackson directly if he could reassure the Board that no animals were being put under unreasonable pain or distress.
Mr Jackson said rodeo cowboys were ethical people.
“At all times, we abide by the laws of NZ. Warkworth Rodeo firmly believes rodeo supporters have every right to engage in lawful activities.”
Board member Warren Flaunty asked if the animals were kicked and shocked, as Ms Charlton claimed.
Mr Jackson said using a cattle prod was legal and the animals weren’t punched or kicked.
