[Animal welfare legal aspects of rodeo events].
Abstract: Rodeo events have been criticised by animal welfare organisations as being adverse to animal protection, for years. This was the motive for TVT to put several of these criticised disciplines to evaluation in terms of animal protection aspects. For that purpose, various rodeo events were visited, and videotaped material of almost all events, which had taken place in Germany in 2003 and 2004, was evaluated. Rodeo events are subject to and 11, sec.1, No. 3d, German Animal Protection Act, which implies compulsory accreditation. In the scope of such events, causing any sort of pain and suffering (and 3 No. 6 German Animal Protection Act) is prohibited. A proof of the severity of the pain caused, is therefore no necessity. For the "critical" disciplines "Bare Back Riding" and "Saddle Bronc Riding" a so called "flank" is used. A flank is a leather strap, fastened to the sensitive parts of the horse skin, (around the flanks,) which is tightened to a maximum as soon as the horse is released from the starting box. Analysis show, that the strap has to be seen as the trigger for the wanted kow-tow. The different coping strategies shown by the animals prove that the leather strap is an apt instrument to cause pain and/or suffering (anxiety/fear/stress) in horses. Bull riding, instead, showed that the rider has to be seen primarily as the trigger for defence behaviour, here. In consideration of the current legal position and taking ethic principles into account, it seems appropriate to only authorise rodeo events under the condition of a flank strap ban. Bull riding should be banned in general.
Publication Date: 2005-04-26 PubMed ID: 15847068
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Summary
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The research examines the legal aspects of animal welfare in rodeo events in Germany, with particular focus on various criticized events, their authorization, and the implication of causing pain and fear in animals. The study suggests banning certain rodeo events and imposing stricter regulations.
Method of Study
- The researchers attended several rodeo events and recorded almost all events in Germany during 2003 and 2004 for analysis.
- The events were assessed on animal protection aspects, mainly focusing on two criticized disciplines, “Bare Back Riding” and “Saddle Bronc Riding”.
Legal Framework
- Rodeo events fall under the purview of the German Animal Protection Act, which requires mandatory accreditation for conducting such events.
- The law prohibits causing any form of pain or suffering to animals under the purview of these events, negating the need for any proof of the severity of the pain inflicted.
Findings
- In the observed events, a flank- a leather strap fastened to sensitive parts of horse’s skin, was used. It was noted that this strap triggered undesirable behaviors in horses, evidencing its role in causing pain or inducing fear/stress.
- The study found significant differences in animal behavior when a flank was used versus when it was not. The varied coping strategies among horses confirms that the flank is capable of causing stress and pain.
- Interestingly, in Bull Riding, the rider was identified as the primary trigger for defense behavior in bulls, indicating a similar potential for causing distress or pain.
Conclusion and Recommendations
- The researchers advocate for stricter regulations on rodeo events, suggesting that they should only be authorised under the condition of a flank strap ban.
- Further, they argue that Bull Riding should be entirely banned due to the potential harm and stress it can cause to the animals.
- The study emphasizes considering ethical principles along with the current legal position in relation to animal welfare in rodeos.
Cite This Article
APA
Franzky A, Bohnet W, Kuhne F, Luy J.
(2005).
[Animal welfare legal aspects of rodeo events].
Dtsch Tierarztl Wochenschr, 112(3), 92-94.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Tierärztliche Vereinigung für Tierschutz e. V. (TVT) - Arbeitskreis Pferde, Rolfsen. franzky@tierschutz-tvt.de
MeSH Terms
- Animal Welfare / legislation & jurisprudence
- Animals
- Athletic Injuries / prevention & control
- Athletic Injuries / veterinary
- Cattle
- Equipment and Supplies / adverse effects
- Female
- Germany
- Horses
- Humans
- Male
- Sports / legislation & jurisprudence
Citations
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