The Northern Grampians Shire Council will continue to support the Great Western Rodeo, which is organised by the Great Western Football Netball Club, said the Northern Grampians Shire Council’s CEO Michael Bailey.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“Council supports the initiative shown by Great Western Football Netball Club in holding this event. More than ever, community organisations need to find a way to raise the funds required for them to operate.”
This is in response to a petition launched by Rodeo Cruelty on Change.org’s website directed at the Northern Grampians Shire Council.
The petition has 1,300 signatures and it alleges that the council is supporting animal cruelty, by supporting rodeos in the council’s area.
The most recent rodeo held in the area was the Great Western Rodeo, which was held on Good Friday.
It has been held annually over Easter for the past 14 years.
Great Western Rodeo’s rodeo manager Danny Hoare said the “Great Western has been running for many years without incident and we are sure this will continue”.
“Special requirements are in place for the welfare of the animals including inspections by the onsite vet.”
Mr Bailey also backs this, "there have been no injuries to animals or riders recorded at the Great Western Rodeo in the past few years, and the vets required to be on site have been satisfied with the treatment and care of all the animals involved."
RSPCA Victoria Animal Welfare Policy Manager Mhairi Roberts said while the RSPCA does not support rodeos, there are regulations for operators which set the minimum requirements to ensure the welfare of animals used in these events.
The Northern Grampians Shire Council is satisfied that the Great Western Rodeo has met these requirements.
“As part of our events funding process, all event managers are required to provide us with a copy of their event management plan, and in this case, there are a number of rules and regulations involved with staging a rodeo event. Along with the relevant authorities, we are satisfied that these needs have been met,” said Mr Bailey.
“Council will continue to support the Great Western Football Netball Club, the organisation which is responsible for the organisation of the Great Western Rodeo, in its fundraising endeavours and events.”
Mr Hoare said “often people who are against rodeos do not understand why and how they are run. Most people enjoy the spectacle of a rodeo and admire the skills of the competitors”.
