The Humane Society was founded in the United States in 1954.  Seven years earlier in 1947, cowboys and ranchers who comprise the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association established rules for the care and treatment of rodeo animal athletes.  This made the PRCA the first group of animal rights activists.

The average person works 2,080 hours per year, excluding the lunch hours and breaks.  The average rodeo animal athlete works less than 5 minutes per year.  The average age of bucking horses in today's rodeo is twenty years of age.  This longevity is contributed to the good care that animals receive including quality feed, exercise and medical care.

In accordance with PRCA rule R10.1.5.2, the use of cattle prods is prohibited in the bull riding event.  The use of prods in the bucking horse event is also prohibited unless an animal is known to stall in the chute.  Sharpened spurs are prohibited; the result of using sharpened spurs is disqualification of the contestant and/or fine to the contestant.  The Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association requires that a veterinarian is on site for all rodeo  performances and at any time animals are being used during competition.

Click the following link to view the PRCA's Animal Welfare: The Care and Treatment of Professional Rodeo Livestock.

For more information on animal welfare in rodeo, please contact the PRCA

Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association

101 Pro Rodeo Drive

Colorado Springs, CO  80919

(719) 593-8840

welfare@prorodeo.com