Rodeos
Fact Sheet
www.WorldAnimalFoundation.com
The rodeo is a traditional community event that takes place primarily in the Western United States and Northern Mexico. Although many people regard the rodeo as family entertainment, the rodeo's most popular events would not be possible if humans did not inflict pain on the animals involved. These events are thought of as a contest of will between contestants and animals, yet the wild and combative behavior of broncos, bulls, and calves is artificially induced by painful measures of provocation.
In the calf-roping and steer-wrestling events, cowboys demonstrate their ability to capture and tie up calves and steers in a short amount of time. Handlers prod and then release calves from pens. The frightened animal runs from the gate at twenty-five miles per hour, at which point the contestant lassoes the calf by the neck, snapping his head back as the calf comes to an abrupt stop. A contestant in the steer-wrestling event chases the steer, then grabs him by the horns and him down by forcibly twisting his neck and slamming the steer to the ground.
Calves and steers often incur back and neck injuries, torn ligaments and broken bones, and sometimes severed spinal chords or tracheas. These animals also suffer from internal bleeding after many such "contests."
In order to make the bucking broncos visibly angry, handlers poke them with sharp sticks and electric prods. Then, handlers tighten the "bucking strap," a leather belt that covers a bronco's or bull's testicles. This puts the animal in severe pain, causing it to buck wildly before it even leaves the pen.
A few municipalities and states mandate that rodeos have a veterinarian present throughout the event. The majority of local governments do not, however, and animals suffering severe injuries often die from lack of immediate medical attention. The majority of severely injured animals are shipped to slaughterhouses.
Animals also needlessly suffer before and after rodeo events. Animals endure constant travel in cramped pens. The proper loading of animals is rarely enforced, their travel trailers are often improperly ventilated, and feeding and watering does not occur regularly.
What You Can Do
You can help end rodeos by lobbying local and state government officials to enact stricter laws governing rodeo operations. You may want to start small, asking that legislators require the presence of a veterinarian at all events, and that they outlaw particularly cruel events like calf roping.
You can also contact local animal welfare organizations with existing campaigns that target circuses, rodeos, and other animal entertainment events.
