Image courtesy of Jackie Finn-Irwin cc Attribution License

*For the sake of conciseness, I will only be covering Canadian regulations on this website.

1. The Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) oversees all official rodeo events in Canada. They promote the humane treatment of animals in rodeo sports and have education programs to promote a humane atmosphere. The Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Rodeo Livestock was created by CPRA in 1945 and is constantly being revised. It is expected that the code is followed and enforced by organizations, yet it is technically voluntary.
The code (which can be viewed in full on pg. 20 of this document) includes rules on the treatment, transportation, and care of rodeo livestock.

2. Under the Criminal Code of Canada:
445.1 (1) Every one commits an offence who
(a) wilfully causes or, being the owner, wilfully permits to be caused unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal or a bird

3. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act in B.C. states:
Duties of persons responsible for animals
9.1 (1) A person responsible for an animal must care for the animal, including protecting the animal from circumstances that are likely to cause the animal to be in distress.
(2) A person responsible for an animal must not cause or permit the animal to be, or to continue to be, in distress.

These regulations poorly protect the welfare of rodeo cattle. Although CPRA has a code to protect rodeo livestock, under Canadian law it has little weight. As for the federal and provincial animal welfare laws, they do not specifically mention rodeos. Also, as a person cannot be charged under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act for “Commonly accepted practices”, cases for animal suffering at rodeos are likely to be ignored.