Rodeos are no longer welcome in New Zealand's largest city.
The Auckland City Council resolved last week that as a matter of policy no rodeos would be permitted on council land because of animal welfare concerns.
The decision, a first for New Zealand, has been applauded by the national animal advocacy organisation SAFE.
"SAFE congratulates Mayor John Banks and his councillors for recognising the importance of animal welfare & This monumental decision demonstrates that Auckland City Council is serious about preventing animal abuse&," SAFE campaign director Hans Kriek said following the decision.
"Rodeo animals are goaded, tormented and forced to endure needless suffering and gross mistreatment, all for the sake of so-called entertainment," says Kriek.
SAFE believes the council's ban will thwart efforts by an international rodeo promoter to bring his indoor rodeo to Auckland as part of Rugby World Cup events in 2011.
Craig Douglas organised New Zealand's first international indoor rodeo held last year in Christchurch, which was fiercely opposed by SAFE.
One of the Auckland City Council's councillors' Cathy Casey said the decision to ban the rodeo highlights the diverse support for the ban within the Council.
"Mr Banks and I don't agree on too much politically but on animal rights he has my complete backing."
Kriek says rodeos are turning into extravagant pyrotechnic-charged spectacles in an effort to attract a new inner-city audience.
However, he says these events are still founded on abusing animals.
