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Rodeos

They may appear like family friendly events to you, but animals used in rodeo events experience fear, pain and distress.

Animal welfare issues at rodeos

RSPCA Queensland advocates for an end to cruel rodeo practices, including calf roping and brumby catching, and for a strengthening of welfare standards that protect animals from unnecessary fear, stress, and injury

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The problem with calf roping

Arguably the most serious animal welfare concern in rodeos across the country is calf roping. Recent studies have shown it is the most cruel and terrifying event for calves.

Calves roped at rodeos face risks of serious injury, including damage to their windpipe from the lasso, bruising and broken ribs from being violently yanked off their feet and forced to the ground, and choking from the tightened rope around their neck when dragged along the ground.

61% of Australians are concerned about the animal welfare impacts of calf roping.

The RSPCA is calling for a national ban on calf roping.

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Take action!

Help protect animals in rodeos by raising awareness of the serious welfare risks involved. Events such as calf roping and brumby catching cause unnecessary fear, distress, and injury and should not continue in modern Australia.

You can make a difference by contacting your local MP, animal welfare Minister, and event sponsors to call for an end to the most harmful rodeo practices and for stronger welfare safeguards.

Frequently asked questions

Do horses and cattle enjoy participating in rodeos?

Rodeo horses and bulls buck repeatedly as an instinctive reaction to the discomfort of being ridden and to the presence of flank straps which have been tightened around their underbelly along with being kicked by painful spurs. In many rodeo events, horses and bulls will hurl themselves at solid objects in order to rid themselves of the rider. The experience of young calves during calf roping events is even more stressful, as these animals are very young and have no prior experience of the rodeo environment.

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What laws are there that protect animals at rodeos?

The laws relating to rodeos vary widely between states and territories and do not protect animals used in rodeos from harm. In 2021, Queensland introduced a code of practice for rodeos which contains only minimal standards.

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Are rodeo events and calf roping banned in other states?

Yes. Calf roping is effectively banned in Victoria and South Australia, but other states and territories allow it to continue, except the ACT where all rodeo events are banned.

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