Rodeo Injuries To Animals
see also "rodeo injuries to athletes"

Volunteer physicians said they don't view rodeo events as cruel to animals. They say the horses and bulls are pampered by cowboys. "They are better cared for than the family dog," Dr. Evans said. "[Rodeo athletes] have an investment and want to take care of them."

Below was a survey done to see how many rodeo animals were injured. This survey includes the bucking bulls, broncs, roping calves, steers, and all animals used in the events. This is the largest survey of rodeo animals done, from one 1999 rodeo and fifty-six 2000 rodeos. As with the last survey done, the injury rate was very low- indicating that rodeo animals are well cared for and the PRCA's welfare rules have been effective. Out of 17,743 animals, only 38 showed injuries ( which is .00052 percent). Although often looked upon as a 'rough' sport, you can see that it is actually very well regulated. Especially compare these figures to horse racing, often looked upon as more refined, where an estimated 1/3 of horses are injured.

Statistics

TOTAL ANIMAL EXPOSURES: 71,743
NUMBER OF RODEO PERFORMANCES: 187
NUMBER OF RODEOS: 57
NUMBER OF INJURIES: 38
PERCENTAGE OF INJURY: .00052

COMMENTS FROM PARTICIPATING VETERINARIANS

"Stock excellent condition, handled excellent." - Trinity, TX rodeo veterinarian

"Condition of stock at end of rodeo was excellent." - Inverness, FL rodeo vet

"Stock in general was in excellent condition." - Rockford, IL rodeo vet

"All timed-event and rough stock in excellent condition. Body weight is very good, and timed event cattle were strong and fast." - Tucson, AZ rodeo vet

"Very good - stock well taken care of." - Goliad, TX rodeo vet

"Excellent - livestock are well cared for." - Lake City, FL rodeo vet

"Well fleshed with appropriate hair coat for season." - Red Bluff, CA rodeo vet

"Animals appear to be in good health and in good flesh." - Auburn, CA rodeo vet

"Condition of the stock was excellent." - Dickinson, ND rodeo vet

"Excellent shape, good outfit." - Vale, OR rodeo vet

"All stock appears to be in good general condition and in good health." - Richmond, KY rodeo vet

"Good. Timed event cattle were housed in a shaded barn during the rodeo to prevent discomfort from heat." - Chino, CA rodeo vet

"All animals were in good condition." - Valparaiso, IN rodeo vet

"All of the livestock were in excellent physical condition and health upon arrival." - Logan, UT rodeo vet

"All stock in good condition at end of rodeo." - Summit, MO rodeo vet

"Initial exam of animals - horses, bulls, steers & calves - all in good flesh and strong. Feeding and watering facilities were adequate enabling these animals to leave in as good condition as they arrived." - Rapid City, SD rodeo vet

"Clean and healthy. All animals stalled in clean, dry, covered area with food and water available." - Norman Park, GA rodeo vet

 

 

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