CIRCUSES using wild animals were banned in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie years ago on the grounds of cruelty. There are no circuses in Australia using wild animals these days, yet we are allowing professional bull riders to perform in this city on the weekend. Why? This "sport" is banned in the UK, parts of the US and in the ACT on cruelty grounds.
As the RSPCA states, the bulls suffer fear, stress and pain, and buck to rid the rider from their backs and the tight strap round their flanks. Many bulls are injured in these events. I don't believe cruel and violent spectacles using animals should be allowed.
