You are about to witness professional rodeo at it's best! You will experience a piece of the old west and our unique American heritage. The everyday lives of the cowboys and cowgirls of the past have today become the competitive sport of rodeo. The contestants you will be watching are not much different from you or me. The difference is that the tools of their trade involve animals, just as if you would use a telephone or computer to do your work.
Some people may try to persuade you with stories of alleged abuse and mistreatment of the animals you see at a rodeo. Let me introduce you to some facts about rodeo, and the animals we use in the sport.
For many animals used in the rough stock events, professional rodeo provides a way of survival. If it were not for rodeo, most of these animals would meet a premature end in a slaughter house or be destroyed. In this way, professional rodeo protects, saves and enriches the lives of many thousands of animals. Rodeo animals often live longer due to the high quality of veterinary care given to each animal.
As anyone truly familiar with animals will tell you, an animal will not perform or act unless it is healthy and has proper care. An animal has a mind of it's own.
Our animals are our partners, companions and friends. For some, their animals are their means of support for themselves and their families. It is not unusual for professional cowboys and cowgirls to provide for their animals before themselves.
We are professionals in our sport, and we conduct ourselves as such. We have strictly enforced rules and codes of conduct about the humane treatment of our animals. Disqualification and heavy fines face anyone who mistreats their animal(s). In this manner, professional rodeo associations do more to promote the true welfare of animals than many so-called animal rights groups.
Well-maintained livestock is a qualifying factor for a rodeo production company's membership in the APRA. This is reviewed annually by the Board of Directors. APRA judges inspect all animals before each competition to determine fitness for competition and enforce strict rules governing the contestants and proper use of equipment. They have the authority to Impose fines or expulsion from competition for violations. The APRA maintains a very strong set of rules concerning humane treatment of livestock by both the rodeo companies and the contestants. The judges, APRA administration and Board of Directors are equally conscientious about their responsibility to enforce these rules and to impose and uphold fines if necessary.
The anti-rodeo group of extremists who publish literature has a common theme - - it appeals to the emotions of the reader. The claims have absolutely no basis in truth or fact. It is often easier to sway people with charismatic speeches that appeal to one's emotions, rather than with facts for the intellect of individuals.
The future of rodeo revolves around, and is dependent on, the humane treatment of our animals. The APRA is moving forward to protect the future of professional rodeo and the lives of animals. We are aggressively working to preserve our western heritage, values and way of life. Our animals are at the heart of this effort. Through our continued focus on humane issues we will protect not only the future of professional rodeo, but also our western heritage and American freedoms.