Southern rodeo clubs are defending their record on animal welfare in the face of a campaign to have rodeos banned.
Representatives from the Wanaka and Millers Flat clubs told the Otago Daily Times yesterday animal welfare was a high priority at rodeos.
Animal advocacy organisations Safe, SPCA and Farmwatch began a campaign this week to end what they describe as ''unethical and inherently cruel'' use of animals in rodeos.
Launching a petition calling for rodeos to be outlawed, SPCA chief executive Ric Odom said rodeos ''can be a terrifying and cruel experience for animals''.
Millers Flat Rodeo Club president Blair Johnston said the call was a ''bit of a shame''.
''I think they have taken it a wee bit too far,'' he said.
Before and during a rodeo event, all animals were checked by a veterinarian and SPCA inspectors who had to be satisfied animal welfare standards were being met, Mr Johnston said.
''It's a rural thing. It's a good day out for the rural people.
''It's mostly the townies who are up in arms about it,'' he said.
Wanaka club president Lyal Cocks said there were rules, procedures and personnel in place at all rodeos to take care of animal welfare.
Rodeo people were generally experienced in owning and working stock.
''The stock contractors, the people we hire the stock off, they have a significant responsibility for the animals to be presented in a healthy way and also that they are treated humanely.''
If there was ''any question'' of an animal being hurt, a veterinarian was called ''straight in''.
''We've had more deaths and more damage to racehorses than to rodeo stock.''
He said some bulls enjoyed rodeos.
''They're usually the winners.''
