More than 50 animal liberationists will rally at Maitland Showground on Saturday afternoon protesting the exploitation and what they claim is abuse of camels at the city's second camel racing event.
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What was supposed to be a fun family day could take a turn with the local Animal Justice Party (AJP) Newcastle and Hunter Regional Group 'extremely concerned' about the races and the welfare of the animals involved.
"Camel racing is cruel, inhumane and has no place in Maitland or in NSW," said AJP Newcastle Regional Group Leader Darren Brollo.
Camels born into the racing industry are often taken from their mothers at an early age to face a lifetime of abuse on and off the racetrack
- Animal Justice Party Newcastle Regional Group Leader Darren Brollo
"Watching innocent animals being whipped and forced to run is a shocking, public display of animal abuse."
Monique Annetts, owner of AMA Event Management, the company organising the afternoon, hit back saying there is no animal cruelty involved and the party's allegations are false.
"They always turn up outside my event venues but never come in to see what's really happening and if they did they'd see there's nothing sinister," she said.
"I have made numerous requests for the party to sit down and talk but they have done nothing to get back to me," Ms Annetts said.
But Mr Brollo said in a separate statement: "At no stage has there been any contact made from Ms Annetts or Camel Racing Downunder. This quite simply is false and for the record I would be happy to meet with her and discuss this cruel industry further."
He said organisers dress up their exploitation of animals as a family-friendly event.
"Camels born into the racing industry are often taken from their mothers at an early age to face a lifetime of abuse on and off the racetrack," Mr Brollo said.
"Races expose these already traumatised animals to loud noise, intense light, high vibration and loud baying crowds screaming and waving at them as they are viciously whipped by jockeys.
"We will be holding a peaceful protest on the day to raise awareness of the cruelty and exploitation faced by the innocent animals forced to race by Camel Racing Downunder."
Over 50 protesters will be at the event from 2pm.
