Is Rodeo Cruel to Animals Essay Example

of animal activists have the research and supporting evidence to prove that people are being cruel to animals.

What most people do not realize, is that rodeo animals such as cattle and horses are raised very similar to how a dog or cat may be raised. People give their animals’ special food such as supplements that have the right vitamins and minerals to allow for their animals to stay looking healthy and not under weight. It also allows for animals to stay hydrated during their competitions. Rodeo animals can sometimes compete in many activities throughout the day or even in a series of days. So it is very important for the animals to have the right nutrients for success in the competitions.

What most people do not realize is how tough some animals really are. A lot of people will look at rodeo events and just think that it looks cruel, but what they do not have is the supporting evidence of how the animals are being abused. One complaint that often occurs at rodeos is: “You are hurting the animal by roping the calf. ” A calf has more than tripled its weight when it is first roped, which is at 225-250 pounds, and is a strong animal. It takes the special roping and handling skills by the rodeo cowboy to manage the strength of a calf whose natural feeling is to flee or fight rather than embrace.

The roping contest is an addition of the necessary skills developed by ranch cowboys to hold cattle for doctoring and vaccination without the benefit of pens and corrals. The muscular structure of a calf and its hairy, thick hide

allows for harmless roping. Immediately upon removal of the rope, calves jog or trot out of the arena in an unconcerned manner. Calves, which outgrow their weight limits for the roping events are then no longer usable for the roping. They then go into the industry and are used for whatever they may be needed for, whether it be for breeding or to a feed lot to produce beef.

Some calves grow up to be bulls and then are used for breeding or even for the bull riding events in rodeo. Other concerns during rodeo events include animals being pressured to do things that they do not want to do. A good example is a female sport that people call barrel racing. Barrel racing is a timed event to see how fast a horse can run around three barrels. The concern that mostly arises is that cowgirls spur or kick the animal so hard and that is why the horse will move so fast. The concern is that by kicking the horse it may be causing abuse.

What people do not know is that human skin is 1mm-2mm thick and horse hide is 5mm thick. The pressure of kicking a horse compared to kicking a human is less intensified because of the thickness of skin. Another example is bucking horses. Animal activists believe that putting a flank strap, a strap that is secured around the back end of the horse right before the hind feet, on a horse is causing the horse to be outraged and in pain because the people think that the strap is on too tight and it is hurting the horse. What people

do not know is that the flank strap s actually in a certain location of the horse which could be compared to the waist of a human and if it were to be tightened to tightly the horse would refuse to move. The flank strap is actually on a nerve that releases hormones and causes for horses to become enraged. Statistics show that an average bucking horse spends about five minutes in the arena per year. So only five minutes of their time they are enraged each year. Although there are many animal activists and organizations out in the world that are against rodeo, there are also some organizations who are huge supporters of rodeo. Friends of Rodeo” is a non-profit organization that was started in October 1992. “Friends of Rodeo” is represented by all types of rodeo organizations and their goal is to support and protect the rodeo industry. Without the support from “Friends of Rodeo”, many animal welfare acts would have passed causing for heavy restrictions and regulations in the rodeo industry. Even further, may have caused for an end to rodeo and the western heritage traditions. Sometimes people see things without realizing the evidence behind the actual situation.

And that is how rodeo seems to be in the world. If people are not brought up or raised around rodeo how are they expected to know the facts behind the sport? Without rodeo the old western traditions would be eliminated and traditions would not be able to be passed on. If people keep trying to spread the word that rodeo is cruelty to animals, there will soon be heavy regulations and restrictions. People should

take the time to do a little research before making statements that cannot be supported by true facts.

If it was not for the support of some individuals and organizations like “Friends of Rodeo”, rodeo would be prohibited like is in some countries already. Works Cited • Burdrick, Linda. “Our History-Dedicated to Preserving our Western Heritage. ” Friends of Rodeo. 1999-2005. Friends of Rodeo. 20 Mar. 2010 . • “Real Rodeo Debate: Bring It On! ” SHARK-Showing Animals Respect and Kindness. SHARK. 21 Mar. 2010 . • “Rodeo: Cruelty for a Buck. ” PETA Media Center. 2001-2006. PETA. 19 Mar. 2010 .