23 May 2025

A major rodeo event being held in the Mid West at the end of the month will include cruel calf roping, despite most West Aussies wanting to see the practice banned.

The Mullewa Muster is expected to attract big crowds for ‘family fun’, but RSPCA WA is urging spectators to think twice about attending this and any other rodeo which includes calf roping.

RSPCA Australia Senior Scientific Officer and veterinarian Dr Di Evans said all rodeo events posed welfare risks to animals, but calf roping was the most concerning, due to its violent nature and the fact very young animals were used.

A massive 61 per cent of Australians are concerned about the animal welfare impacts of calf roping according to 2023 polling* (the latest polling).

“Watching a calf as young as four months being lassoed around the neck as they try to flee, then being yanked off their feet and thrown to the ground for the sake of entertainment is unacceptable,” Dr Evans said.

“In the thick of the action, it can be easy for spectators to miss signs of fear, pain and stress, including escape attempts, bellowing, mouth gaping, whites of eyes showing, tongue protrusion, and tail swishing.

“When you know the signs to look for, it becomes abundantly clear these animals are not enjoying themselves. Two studies conducted by the University of Sydney in 2020 and 2022 showed that calves display signs of fear and distress, while desperately trying to avoid being chased, choked and forced to the ground.

“At least the humans participating in these rodeos have a choice; the animals do not.”

Dr Evans said rodeos were promoted as a traditional part of rural life, but the way animals were treated did not reflect modern farming practices which promote low stress stock handling where animals are handled in a calm, gentle manner.

“It’s very troubling that rodeos are spruiked as family events. We should be teaching children respect and compassion for animals, not condoning causing fear and stress for the sake of entertainment,” she said.

Dr Evans said public concern about the welfare of animals in rodeos was growing. Independent research by McCrindle in 2024 found 89 per cent of Aussies were concerned about the welfare of animals used in rodeos.

“The RSPCA wants to see calf roping banned Australia-wide, as it effectively is in South Australia, Victoria and in the ACT where all rodeo events are banned,” Dr Evans said.

“People can help by raising awareness of the risks inherent in rodeos, by not attending events in their local community, and by expressing their concerns to those businesses still associated with rodeos.”

*2023 polling was commissioned by the RSPCA and conducted independently among a representative sample of 1500 Australians in February 2023.

Calf roping is legal in Queensland, NSW, NT, Tasmania and WA. It is effectively banned in SA and Victoria because of a minimum body weight of 200kg for cattle used in rodeos. Rodeo events are banned in the ACT.

Further information about the welfare issues associated with calf roping can be found here and a YouTube video with examples of the calf roping can be found here.