Animals are dragged, tripped, roped, wrestled and electrically shocked. Additional animals are subjected to such abuses in pre-performance practice sessions. Animals suffer mental and physical terror and have even been killed for a few minutes of entertainment. Although the animals are in the arena for only a few moments, their entire lives are full of suffering. This type of life is not humane for an animal even if provided with adequate food, water and veterinary care.
Rodeo is a business, the aim of which is profit.
For a rodeo rider to develop a special affection for any animal would directly conflict with that aim. Stock contractors own the animals and ship them to various rodeos around the country where the animals become merely tools for profit. Economics dictate, not emotional attachment or concern for the animals. The monetary scope of rodeo is enormous. The cowboys of yesteryear and the rodeo riders of today bear scant resemblance to each other.