Rodeos under attack from activists | Ipswich News | Local News in Ipswich

RODEO supporters have been forced to defend the sport after animal rights groups described it as cruel and barbaric.

The attack was sparked by animal welfare activist Kerry Baker, who has lobbied Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale and other councillors.

Ms Baker challenged the councillors to do as they did with circuses involving animals, and ban rodeos on council properties.

Last June, Ipswich became the first council in Queensland to ban circuses with exotic animals from operating on council land.

“It is not a question of if but when this will be totally banned so the request here is that you show your compassion earlier rather than later,” she wrote.

“The animals will be saved from what can only be described as a living hell and animal lovers everywhere will thank you.”

She wasn’t speaking on behalf of any group although she belonged to Wildcare and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).

“I am personally very concerned for the welfare of animals,” Ms Baker told The Queensland Times.

“It upsets me when animals are used for entertainment and have very painful deaths. In the second decade of the 21st century, surely we have progressed enough not to tolerate cruelty to animals as a form of entertainment.”

Ms Baker is from the Australian Capital Territory but said she was told about last Friday’s rodeo at Rosewood, which was cancelled due to the weather.

“People come to me as someone who cares for animals and I’ve got a very good network,” she said.

“You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see the pain and suffering the rodeo animals are going through.”

Her stance was backed by the Animal Welfare League.

“They are cruel, barbaric and do little to foster respect for animals of all kinds,” AWL spokeswoman Gabrielle Wheaton said.

“Animals being hurt, frightened, ridiculed and belittled is the basest form of ‘entertainment’ and one which should be eradicated.”

Australian Professional Rodeo Association general manager Steve Hilton reacted quickly to the call to ban rodeos.

“Obviously we strongly oppose it,” Mr Hilton said.

“Rodeo is a legitimate pastime that has been going on for many years and there is a strict code of conduct that we have to adhere to.

“As far as acts of cruelty, there has never been anyone prosecuted for that as far as I’m aware.

“The livestock handlers want the best performance out of their animals and anyone will tell you animals won’t perform unless they are well treated and well cared for.

“The injury rate with our livestock over a very long period is 0.045 per cent. That’s something like one in 2000 animals.”

Councillor David Pahlke, who voted against the circus ban, called for reaction from Ipswich people.

“I’m hearing these things from all over Australia but not from my area,” Cr Pahlke said. “I respect her (Ms Baker’s) opinion but I think it’s a minority view.

“I don’t condone animal cruelty but where do you stop? There are pig races on this weekend, are you going to stop them? Why not ban horse racing and greyhounds?”