Success: Eight Companies Withdraw Sponsorship from Rodeo

Target: Bill English, Prime Minister of New Zealand

Goal: Commend companies for withdrawing sponsorship, and continue the fight to end rodeos.

A rodeo in New Zealand has recently come under fire after a video showing acts of animal abuse was released. Since the footage was leaked, there has been a massive public outcry, and it is beginning to pay off. Eight companies who previously sponsored the rodeo events, providing merchandise as well as financial support, have withdrawn their sponsorship of the rodeo. This marks a victory for animal welfare in New Zealand because without the sponsors, the rodeos will not be able to continue.

Although government restrictions would perhaps be the easiest and most direct way to stop rodeos, the actions of these companies go to show that there are any number of avenues for the voices of the public to be heard. In this instance, public outcry — including online petitions, like this one published here on ForceChange — influenced sponsors to pull their funds from a harmful, inhumane event.

We must thank these corporations for their support of our cause, and point out to the government that there is more still to be done. Eight conscientious companies are looking after the best interests of the citizens of New Zealand more than their own government. Sign this petition to show your support for the withdrawal of sponsorship, and ensure further actions are taken by the government to regulate or ban rodeos.

PETITION LETTER

Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

As I’m sure you are aware, a rodeo in your country has recently come under fire for acts of animal abuse caught on video. The public response has been tremendous. Countless emails and petitions were written condemning these cruel, inhumane practices, and they paid off. This week, eight corporations withdrew their sponsorship of the rodeos. This means reduced financial support for rodeos and for the animal cruelty that they represent.

Without this money, it is likely the rodeos have to shut down, and this poor treatment of animals may finally be put to an end. However, without government regulation there is no way to ensure that. Most of the population of New Zealand has already voted to support a ban on rodeos. Use your power as prime minister to show your solidarity with these companies, and shut down these rodeos once and for all.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Skarabeusz