SYDNEY EASTER SHOW RODEO INCLUDED PROBABLE HORSE DEATH

A horse forced to participate in a saddle bronc event was apparently killed at the Royal Easter Show’s rodeo on 21 April last year.  Why don’t we know for sure?  Because rodeo operators are not required to publicly report the deaths and injuries of animals. 

The ugly spectacle of a horse being covered in black plastic and removed from the arena in a van was witnessed by thousands of spectators, including young children.  

The Royal Agricultural Society promotes its annual Easter Show as a showcase for best practice and innovation on the land.  Stallholders are required to be “family friendly”.  Yet night after night, visitors to the show are witness to the cruel spectacle of peaceful herd animals being tormented to perform unnatural bucking behaviours for the sake of human entertainment.  Not only do many rodeo animals endure repeat performances and sustain painful injuries, but some do not make it out alive.

It's time a light was shone on the rodeo industry, starting with a legal requirement to report just how many animals it kills and injures in the name of entertainment.  

This is an industry with effectively no scrutiny or oversight.  It operates under an inadequate, 37-year-old code of practice which has never been updated, and the vast majority of events are not overseen by any regulator or animal welfare agency. 

Let’s consider a few key points about rodeos:

• Rodeos need a special exemption in the New South Wales Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act just to operate.
• They are not required to have a vet present.
• They can use tight flank straps, spurs and electric prods on animals.
• Rodeos do not reflect best animal handling practice on the land.
• They are opposed by every animal welfare and advocacy organisation across Australia and around the world.
• Scientific and peer-reviewed studies have shown rodeo events cause fear, distress and potential serious injury and death for the animals.
• They are banned in the Australian Capital Territory, and partially banned in Victoria, South Australia, and several overseas jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom.

Why, then, are rodeos featured in the program of Australia’s largest ticketed event, in the middle of Australia’s largest city, and sponsored by the NSW State Government with public money? 

Speak up for the Easter Show horse, and every other animal tormented and abused in this cruel so-called “sport”. 

Contact: 

• Premier CHRIS MINNS on 7225 6000 or
• Agriculture Minister TARA MORIARTY on 7225 6120 or email tara.moriarty@parliament.nsw.gov.au

and demand an immediate inquiry into rodeos, their exemption from cruelty laws and total lack of transparency.

Thank you for speaking up for animals. 

The photo above of the Easter Show Rodeo on 21 April 2025 is courtesy of Animal Liberation NSW.