While riding the animal, the contestant tightens the belt further in order to exacerbate the animal's pain and increase the wild bucking of the animal. A few municipalities and states mandate that rodeos have a veterinarian present throughout the event. The majority of local governments do not, however, and animals suffering severe injuries often die from lack of immediate medical attention. The majority of severely injured animals are shipped to slaughterhouses. Animals also needlessly suffer before and after rodeo events.
Animals endure constant travel in cramped pens.
The proper loading of animals is rarely enforced, their travel trailers are often improperly ventilated, and feeding and watering does not occur regularly.