Eurobodalla Animal Liberation slams council after Moruya Rodeo lease renewed

The Moruya Rodeo has been saved despite backlash from an animal rights group - refuted by the organisers - but council’s decisions has provoked mixed reactions. Have your say in our poll.

Moruya Rodeo 2022. Picture: Moruya Rodeo.

A beloved community rodeo on the south coast has been saved from cancellation, but one animal rights group has slammed the event as promoting cruelty.

Eurobodalla Shire Council has renewed the lease for Moruya Rodeo to continue operation at the Moruya Showground for another five years after discussions over its survival.

The decision was made during a council meeting on Tuesday, with some community groups since expressing mixed reactions to the news.

Coral Anderson from the Eurobodalla Animal Liberation group said the event was nothing more than animal cruelty, and she was disappointed by the choice.

“For council to come out and approve something like this, where we are watching animals belted and run around for our own entertainment is crazy,” she said.

Mrs Anderson also said she would be “working” with the newly elected state government to change legislation which would ban events like the Moruya Rodeo.

“Just because it was renewed doesn’t mean we can’t still have something done,” she said.

However, a Moruya Rodeo Association spokesperson hit back at the accusation and said the animals are looked after and treated properly.

“All animals which are featured in the event are cared for by their loving owners,” the spokesperson said.

The Moruya Rodeo Association spokesperson said they were “thrilled” by the decision.

Coral Anderson, leader of the Animal Liberation group, said she was 'disappointed' at the decision. Picture: Supplied.

“The Rodeo is not just a fun, yearly event for the community, but the economic benefits it brings to the town helps local businesses right around the region,” they said.

“It’s also a great opportunity to showcase the skills of locals in what is a historic cattle town.”

The annual Moruya Rodeo has been a staple in the Eurobodalla Shire community for many years, attracting visitors and participants from all over the region.

The rodeo features events such as bull riding, steer wrestling and barrel racing, among others.

Despite the concerns from some, the council decided to renew the lease, citing the economic benefits and cultural significance of the event.

The rodeo is expected to continue drawing large crowds and generating revenue for the region.

Eurobodalla Shire Council Chambers. Picture: Supplied.

Community members in Moruya and Batemans Bay also applauded the decision.

“I’m looking forward to the next five years of rodeos,” resident Jason Webb said.

“The correct result for a fantastic community event,” another resident Terry Dowell added.

However, not all were thrilled with the choice.

“This event is just cruel to animals, we should be doing something else as a yearly event,” resident Samantha Williams said.

“Events like rodeos cause unnecessary stress, fear, and pain to all the animals involved,” another resident James Nelson said.

The Eurobodalla Shire Council has assured the community they will continue to monitor the rodeo and ensure animal welfare standards are met during events.

They have also encouraged anyone with concerns to contact them directly.