Index IntroductionControversial Rodeo ExperienceThe Reality of Animal Treatment in the RodeoAddressing Concerns About Animal AbuseConclusionWork CitedIntroductionWhen it comes to the controversial topic of rodeos, animal rights activists and advocates of the rodeo they all have a common interest; the safety and well-being of the animals involved. Activists and supporters both have an undying love for animals, activists have the wrong idea about the sport of rodeo. Although some argue that rodeos promote animal abuse, they actually provide valuable opportunities for cowboys to showcase the skills used to handle livestock. Rodeo animals live great lives and suffer from very low injury rates due to the many laws in place to protect their rights. This essay explores the causes of animal abuse and demonstrates how rodeos adhere to regulations to ensure the well-being of the animals involved. For some, a life without a rodeo is a life not worth living, and a rodeo without animals isn't a rodeo at all. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Controversial Rodeo Experience At the rodeo, supporters will have the opportunity to witness the rodeo's many events; bull riding, calf racing, barrel racing and many other very popular events. There will be no signs of animal abuse or neglect during these events. Instead, audiences will witness the affectionate displays of love and effective communication between humans and animals and the respect that exists between the two. While attending rodeos, there will be ample opportunity to witness the daily routine of the average cowboy and his animals. Many cowboys and cowgirls have had the ability to learn responsibility at an early age and this is a valuable skill that will follow these individuals for years to come. Families within the rodeo community always made sure their livestock received the best training and ate the best food to ensure their health was in the best condition to compete in the next event. Raising rodeo animals is a lot like completing a complex puzzle, although it can be a challenge at first, once you put all the pieces together it tells a beautiful story. The Reality of the Treatment of Rodeo Animals Additionally, many professional rodeos, including California Frontier Days, have saddled protesters and activists with false accusations of neglect and abuse. An animal rights organization SHARK (Showing Animals Respect and Kindness) released a video of "alleged physical abuse of livestock" (Rowe). Although the video spread like wildfire, what was shown in the film painted a twisted and disturbing portrait of rodeos. Following that damning film, California Frontier Days banned the use of video cameras in 2009 to prevent the disclosure of such sinister recordings (Unknown). Once the camera ban was imposed, SHARK president Steve Hindi stated that there was "no intention to stop the abuse" and that the camera ban only allowed such abuse to remain "undocumented" (Rowe). While the president of SHARK presents a valid point, what Hindi fails to understand is that “the rodeo is a public display of livestock handling” which is absolutely necessary when dealing with such massive and powerful animals (Laybourn ). Therefore, the ban on cameras from entering the arena was not intended to protect reports of animal abuse because, in reality, the alleged abuses are just public manifestations of animal abuse practices.. 2019.