SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Virtually everyone -- especially members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association -- believes that animals should be treated humanely and with dignity.
The PRCA values its animals, and staunchly protects them with rules specifically designed to prevent cruelty or even unintentional mistreatment.
Humane treatment of PRCA animals -- both in and out of the arena -- is a fact well documented by veterinarians and research studies.
PRCA rules so successfully protect animals that the American Veterinary Medical Association recognizes PRCA guidelines in its position statement on the welfare of animals in spectator events.
The AVMA position reads, in part: "The AVMA recommends that all rodeos abide by rules to ensure the humane treatment of rodeo livestock, such as those established by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association ... "
Contrary to the unfounded and inflammatory statements of some special-interest groups, the PRCA goes to great lengths to ensure the proper care, handling and treatment of all animals involved in PRCA-sanctioned rodeos.
Animal-rights activists often scream that rodeo exploits animals, but they do so without valid support of their argument. Professional rodeo animals, in fact, appear to enjoy their work, according to many large-animal experts.
The propaganda espoused by the so-called animal-rights groups appeals to emotionalism, not reason, and too often the hidden interest lies in raising funds rather than caring for animals. To accomplish their goals, these organizations commonly alter or even fabricate facts.
The truth is, it simply would be senseless for anyone with professional rodeo to give their animals anything but the best of care.
Like a well-conditioned athlete, an animal can perform well only if it is healthy. Any cowboy will tell you he takes home a paycheck only when the animal is in top form. Stock contractors, the ranchers who raise rodeo stock for a living, also have an obvious financial interest in keeping the animals healthy. Simple business logic dictates that only a fool would abuse an animal that is expected to perform in the future.
"The livestock is the rodeo; the rodeo is our living," said John Barnes, a PRCA stock contractor. "We're going to take care of it (the livestock). We always have, and we always will."
PRCA judge Duane Howard said professional rodeo animals "represent a major investment for the stock contractors. They give them the best of care."
Dr. Susan McCartney, a Reno large-animal veterinarian with no direct association to rodeo, says stock contractors would be spelling economic disaster for themselves if they allowed any mistreatment of their animals.
"It's really not economically feasible for these stock contractors not to take good care of these animals, if for no other reason but their resale value," McCartney said.
But many -- if not most -- of the PRCA's nearly 10,000 members have more than an economic tie to animals. Nearly all have been around animals most of their lives, and they possess a high degree of respect and fondness for the livestock.
"I think they participate because they have a deep interest in animals," Pendleton, Ore., veterinarian Doug Corey said of the hundreds of veterinarians who compete in professional rodeo. "If there were any mistreatment going on, they wouldn't participate."
Stock contractor Harry Vold said he holds a special place in his heart for his animals.
"We keep our horses around forever. It's like an old folks home, and it can get costly," he said. "But they've earned their keep."
Anyone who attends a PRCA professional rodeo can be assured that the greatest care has been taken to prevent injury to animals or contestants.
All PRCA members are bound by the not-for-profit corporation's bylaws and rules, including a section that deals exclusively with the humane treatment of animals. Anyone who violates these rules may be disqualified and reported to the PRCA, which will levy fines.
Professional rodeo judges, who are charged with the enforcement of all PRCA rules, believe in these humane regulations and do not hesitate to report violations.
Among the five dozen PRCA rules that protect animals is one that authorizes the officials to disqualify a contestant and levy a $250 fine on the spot for unnecessary roughness. The fine doubles with each offense.
"That means if I see a guy flank a calf in a way that I think is too rough, I can call him for unnecessary roughness, and he'll automatically be disqualified and have to pay a $250 fine," said PRCA judge Tommy Keith. "And you bet I'll call it. There's not too many guys who are willing to risk that with thousands of dollars at stake."
Keith said the PRCA's professional judging system produces the desired effect of preventing mistreatment and abuse.
"It's just about completely eliminated the problem," he said.
But not all rodeos operate under guidelines as strict as the PRCA's. The PRCA sanctions about 30 percent of the rodeos in this country. Another 50 percent are sanctioned by smaller rodeo organizations, and only about 20 percent are not sanctioned.
Most rodeo-sanctioning associations adopt and enforce regulations regarding the humane treatment of animals, though perhaps not as stringent as the PRCA's rules.
PRCA sanctioning is an absolute guarantee that a rodeo will be produced by people who care about the animals.
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