Rodeos in New South Wales need a special exemption from the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act just to operate.  These events cause fear, distress and potential serious injury and death to the animals involved.  Every animal welfare organisation is opposed to rodeos, and multiple scientific studies have proved the severe stress that the animals suffer during these events. 

Rodeo operators do not have to report injuries and deaths, unlike the requirement for horse racing.

Rodeos are governed only by a 36-year-old code of practice, which has never been updated.  The code does not require the presence of a vet, allows the use of electric prods, and provides for animals to be fed and watered only once every 24 hours.

Surveys conducted for RSPCA Australia in 2022 and 2023 showed that 67% of Australians are concerned or very concerned about the welfare of animals used in rodeos.  They also showed that a majority of people want calf roping banned, including in regional areas.

The New South Wales Government has committed to reviewing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act this year (2024), yet we are almost halfway through the year and nothing has happened yet.  In the meantime, horses and cattle, including calves, are regularly tormented and abused in the name of entertainment.

Please contact the NSW Minister responsible, the Hon. Tara Moriarty MLC, and tell her that RODEOS ARE UNDENIABLY CRUEL AND ABUSIVE, AND THEY MUST BE BANNED.

You can contact the Minister here:

Minister Moriarty

Politicians only listen when enough people speak up.  Please speak up for the animals who have no voice.

Thank you.