Rodeos Are Bully Conventions

Posted by Amanda on March 23, 2023

Countless animals have died to satisfy humans’ desire to pretend it’s the Wild West in events such as calf roping, bull riding, steer wrestling, and bronc riding. 💔

Most animals forced to participate in rodeos aren’t aggressive by nature. Instead, they’re provoked into displaying crazed behavior through the use of electric prods, sharp spurs, and bucking straps. A bucking (or flank) strap is a strap or rope that’s wrapped around the midsection of horses or bulls. The animals will naturally buck in an attempt to rid themselves of the irritant. This strap can cause abrasions and rope burns, and the skin can even be chafed raw.  

Cows may be zapped with electric hotshots so they’ll charge out of the chute.  

In calf-roping events, young cows’ necks are twisted as they’re slammed to the ground. Even some rodeo operators, including one who said he “wouldn’t mind seeing calf roping phased out,” agree that these events are egregious. The entire country of Germany has banned calf-roping, as have Baltimore County, Maryland; Vancouver, Canada; and the Australian states of South Australia and Victoria.  

Animals used in rodeos have broken their backs and necks, had heart attacks, and experienced aneurysms. Those who manage to make it through relatively unscathed are given little time to rest or recuperate. They’re loaded into trucks, hauled to the next event, and forced to participate over and over again. When they’re too old or worn out to continue, “retirement” is a one-way trip to the slaughterhouse. 

If a rodeo comes to your town, voice your objections to local authorities, complain to companies that sponsor it, leaflet at the gate, and/or hold a protest. Contact us at [email protected] for posters, flyers, and tips on setting up your demo!  

Be sure to check your local laws to find out which types of activities involving animals are and are not legal in your area. Some municipalities have bans on specific rodeo devices, for instance.