Navigation
RSPCA To Enforce New Rodeo Laws This Season
Released on Wednesday 07, January 2009
The 2008-2009 rodeo season will be the first to operate under new legislation outlined in the amended Animal Welfare Act, and RSPCA Tasmania will be on hand to ensure that these new regulations are upheld.
The Act, which came into force in July last year, contains several new sections pertaining specifically to rodeos, their organisation and operation.
While the Code of Practice referred to in the Act is still in development, RSPCA Tasmania CEO Greg Tredinnick believes the inclusions are a promising start in safeguarding the welfare of animals at these events.
“In previous years there have been absolutely no enforceable specific requirements for these types of events, apart from voluntary guidelines, and those sections of the Act relating to animal cruelty This year however, there have been significant changes in legislation which clearly spell out who is responsible and what their responsibilities are,” Mr Tredinnick said.
Mr Tredinnick explained that the two new sections banned the riding of sheep, goats and calves and also made attendance by a veterinary surgeon compulsory at every event.
“In addition to treating or euthanasing sick or injured animals, the vet can also prevent an animal from taking part and is authorised to act in the best interests of the animal to ensure its welfare. It’s a big step forward and will go a long way in avoiding tragic incidents such as that which occurred at Carrick several years ago.
“To make sure these new laws are being observed, the RSPCA will be undertaking a series of random inspections across the season and anyone found in breach of the amendments could be charged. Having said that we found no breaches during our inspections last year.”
He added that although the legislation was major step forward in protecting rodeo animals, the best protection was still a complete ban on the events altogether.
“The RSPCA will continue to advocate a ban on rodeo while animals are still at risk of injury and exploitation.”
Download assets/files/media-releases/RSPCA To Enforce New Rodeo Laws This Season.pdf.