Rodeo Organisers May Be Prosecuted

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31835, 13 November 1968, Page 18

Rodeo Organisers May Be Prosecuted

The organisers of rodeos may be prosecuted under the Animals Act if the council of the Canterbury Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals adopts a suggestion made by its inspector (Mr H. J. Hammett) at the annual meeting last evening.

The possibility of prosecuting rodeo organisers was raised by the society’s solicitor (Mr D. A. Oldham), who called for the views of the society at the meeting. He said some consideration should be given to whether a prosecution, if brought, would stick.

“The society should decide whether this so called entertainment should be a cause for action by the society. From this time on during the summer months this entertainment takes place in different areas and now is the time to look at it.” he said.

The president (Mr J. Quickenden) said there was no harm in the inspector visiting the rodeos to see that the organisers were playing the ball. Even if the society took a prosecution and lost, the publicity would still draw attention to them.

Dr M. Mayer said she knew nothing about rodeos of her own knowledge, but had been told the animals were often terrified. It seemed unnatural to ride wild animals. Mr Hammett said the word “terrify” was specifically men. tioned in the Animals Act as a form of cruelty. “If it is done properly I cannot see any magistrate not bringing in a conviction,” he said.

Mr Quickenden said the council would consider the matter and have discussions with Mr Oldham and Mr Hammett.

“We have got to protect the animals. If persons are ill-treating animals we should go ahead irrespective of who they are. You can leave it to the council and you can be sure they will not leave a stone unturned," he said.