The ministry laid down expectations for future compliance with the code, referring to this as "education". This is neither a victory nor vindication for rodeo clubs but a warning shot across their bow.
The Rodeo Code 2014 is a separate piece of legislation to the Animal Welfare Act 1999. The code, at this point, is unenforceable despite requirements that minimum standards "must be achieved". The threshold for criminal offending under the Animal Welfare Act was not reached.
Unfortunately, media have mistakenly reported that no breaches were found, confusing the two pieces of legislation and confusing the public. Multiple breaches of the code were indeed found.
Internationally, animal advocacy groups condemn rodeo. It has much in common with other forms of animal and human abuse; domination, sadism, objectification, and claims that victims are willing participants.
In a victory for rodeo animals, and in-step with international opinion, the SPCA, Save Animals from Exploitation and Farmwatch have initiated a petition calling for a ban on rodeo. The national animal welfare advisory committee has also indicated concern over the use of animals in rodeo and will be responsive to public attitudes.
While debate rages on social media between pro and anti-rodeo groups, it is unhelpful to leave the treatment of animals down to personal opinion.
It is the animals that tell the story of rodeo, and it is the animals we should be listening to.
At rodeos the same animal behaviours are seen every time. Calves tremble in the chutes as handlers pinch, slap, punch and pull their flesh and ears. From behind, another handler pushes at their rump, forcing calves to brace themselves to avoid being rammed face-first into metal gates.
Then they are chased across the arena, lassoed at speed, their spines buckling. They are sent airborne before crashing to the ground. Once on their feet, calves have their necks twisted by the contestant, and a second throw decks them again, before their legs are tied. Some cry out during and after the event; most are silent.
Bulls try to escape the chutes, rearing or collapsing, refusing to stand up to be ridden. They are kicked while down, slapped in the head and subjected to rope-burning and electric shocks to get them up. Steers are chased by two contestants on horseback, one dropping on to him and twisting the animal's neck 180 degrees; the steer is forced to submit or have his neck broken.
Terrified horses rear and buck in chutes, try to drop to the ground, and refuse to exit. They are kicked while cowering, hit in the head and forced out, receiving electric shocks if they refuse.
What comes next is what they want to avoid. In the arena, winning contestants lie almost horizontal on the horse's back, making full-leg kicks with metal spurs into the front of the animal's shoulders. These are designed to hurt and cause panic, fight, and flight, thereby increasing the animal's struggling, writhing and bucking. Flankstraps add an additional assault to the horse, coercing him to buck further.
The more the horse bucks the more points are awarded. The more kicks the contestant makes the higher his score. Panicked horses fall over or crash head-first into fences. They twist their bodies, four legs off the ground, necks extended downwards, mouths locked open in horror.
Animal advocacy groups believe the public does not accept this treatment of animals. The public can study the rodeo code of welfare and film breaches at rodeos this summer. The ministry will be interested.
Supporting the petition is another way to take action, and make your opinion count.
Rodeo fans could take another look.
• Lynn Charlton of Anti Rodeo Action NZ is a psychotherapist in private practice in Auckland.
