California Pro Rodeo Circuit

The care and well-being of rodeo's treasured livestock is a top priority of anybody involved in professional rodeo. Members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association believe, as do most people, that animals should be treated humanely. The PRCA staunchly protects its animals with rules that are so successful in the prevention of cruelty or unintentional mistreatment that the American Veterinary Medical Association  has recognized PRCA guidelines in its position statement on the welfare of animals in spectator events. The AVMA position reads, in part, "The AVMA recommends that all rodeos abide by rules to ensure the humane treatment of rodeo livestock, such as those established by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association."  Many people have concerns regarding the treatment of animals in professional rodeo. The following information provides brief answers to the most common questions.

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Answers to some common questions:

"DO RODEO COWBOYS USE SPURS DURING COMPETITION?" Dull spurs are used in only three events - bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding. Spurs that meet PRCA guidelines have blunt rowels (the star-shaped wheel on the spurs) that are about one-eighth of an inch thick, so they can't cut the animals and must be loose so that they roll over the animal's hide. If a rider uses non-regulation spurs, he is disqualified from competition.

"WHAT IS A FLANK STRAP?" The flank strap is a sheepskin-lined strip of leather that is placed behind the horse's rib cage in the flank area. The strap enhances the bucking instinct of the animal - who has actually been bred to buck - but causes no pain. PRCA rules strictly regulate the use of the strap, which must have a quick release buckle. Sharp objects are never placed between the strap and the animal and the strap does not pinch the animal's genitalia.

"WHAT IS A CATTLE PROD?" The cattle prod was developed by the cattle industry as a means to move livestock. Use of the prod has become one of the most universally accepted and humane ways of moving animals on ranches, in veterinary clinics and, on occasion, at professional rodeos. PRCA rules require the prod be used as little as possible and that the animals be touched only on the hip or shoulder area. Powered solely by flashlight batteries, the prod produces 5,000-6,000 volts of electricity, but virtually no amperage. And because amperage - not voltage - causes burns, the prod causes a mild shock, but no injury.

"WHO TAKES CARE OF THE ANIMALS?" The true experts on livestock management and care are those that do it every day. PRCA rodeos are produced by people who are knowledgeable and well-educated about proper livestock handling - and few are more attuned to the animals' needs that professional stock contractors. Animals used in professional rodeo are considered top athletes, just like the cowboys and cowgirls who ride them. They are a huge financial investment to the stock contractors - so you can bet they are given only the best of care!