Speak Out Against Rodeo Cruelty at the Melbourne Showgrounds

Published 11 February 2026

Rodeos are inherently cruel. Tell the Showground Managers and City of Moonee Valley you oppose animal suffering being used as entertainment.

Take Action

Say NO to Rodeos!

Send a clear, respectful message to the Melbourne Showground Managers and City of Moonee Valley that you do not support cruelty disguised as entertainment and urge them to reject entertainment that relies on animal suffering.

You can edit the message:
(Your name will be added at end)

Dear Showground Managers,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the rodeo event scheduled to be held at the Melbourne Showgrounds later this month on February 28th.

RODEOS ARE INHERENTLY CRUEL AND OUTDATED

Rodeos are not harmless cultural displays or family-friendly entertainment. They are events built on fear, distress, and the coercion of animals for the sake of spectacle. This reality has long been recognised internationally. Britain banned rodeos as early as 1934 due to animal welfare concerns. Rodeos are also prohibited in The Netherlands, other parts of Europe, several jurisdictions in the United States, and within Australia itself in the ACT. These bans reflect a clear and growing international consensus that rodeos cause unacceptable harm to animals and should not be permitted as public entertainment.

STRONG AND GROWING PUBLIC OPPOSITION IN AUSTRALIA

This concern is also strongly reflected within Australia. An independent survey commissioned by the RSPCA in 2015 found that 52% of respondents across both urban and rural areas were concerned or very concerned about the welfare of animals in rodeos. By 2018, this figure had increased to 63%, and polling conducted in 2022 showed a further rise to 67%. This clear upward trend demonstrates that the majority of Australians are troubled by the welfare impacts of rodeos, with public concern continuing to grow rather than diminish.

DELIBERATE PROVOCATION AND INDUCED FEAR

At their core, rodeos rely on deliberately provoking animals into panic. Calm, relaxed animals are not entertaining to an audience, so fear is intentionally induced to elicit “flight or fight” responses. To achieve this, rodeo operators may use electric prods, spurs, flank straps, and ropes. Historically, painful tail-twisting was also used to agitate animals. While the industry claims this practice no longer occurs, handlers are routinely shielded from unobstructed public view, raising ongoing concerns; particularly when animals that appeared settled moments earlier suddenly bolt into the arena.

WELFARE CONCERNS, INJURY AND DEATH

If animal welfare is considered honestly and without industry bias, rodeo performances cannot be viewed as acts of bravery or skill. Rather, they are contrived displays of human domination over animals who cannot consent, escape, or defend themselves. In the worst cases, this domination results in severe injuries or death.

A HARMFUL MESSAGE FOR CHILDREN

Rodeos are frequently promoted as “family fun” events. However, rather than teaching children empathy, compassion, and respect for animals, they normalise animals being chased, choked, thrown, and kicked. In some events, children are actively encouraged to participate. This sends a deeply troubling message about how animals may be treated for entertainment and undermines the values many families strive to instill in young people.

REPUTATIONAL RISK AND TOURISM CONCERNS

It is also worth noting that an increasing number of travel agents and tourism companies now operate under animal welfare policies that explicitly exclude or boycott animal-based attractions associated with cruelty. Continuing to host rodeos risks reputational damage and places the Melbourne Showgrounds out of step with evolving standards in ethical tourism and public expectations.

I strongly urge the Management Team to reconsider permitting rodeo events at the Melbourne Showgrounds, or any other location, and to take a clear, principled stand against entertainment that relies on animal suffering. Doing so would reflect the values of a compassionate community and align your decision-making with the clear direction of public sentiment.

Thank you for your time and for giving this matter the serious consideration it deserves.

Sincerely,

Photo credit: Animals Uncovered

Rodeos are not harmless family fun. Animals used in these events are deliberately stressed, frightened, and coerced into dangerous “fight or flight” responses for the sake of spectacle. These practices have led to rodeos being banned in multiple countries and jurisdictions, including the UK, some parts of Europe, and the ACT, due to serious animal welfare concerns.

Unfortunately, a rodeo is scheduled to take place at the Melbourne Showgrounds on February 28th. While this event is proceeding, it is vitally important that the Showground Managers and City of Moonee Valley understand the strength of community opposition to rodeos and the expectation that no further events of this kind be allowed.

By sending this letter, you are helping to deliver a clear and united message: that we do not accept animal suffering as entertainment, and we expect the Showground Managers and City of Moonee Valley to take a principled stand by refusing to permit any future rodeos.

⚠️ Important Note! Please be respectful in your message, as our aim is to educate and persuade the showground managers, not abuse them.

Animal Liberation Victoria |

Fighting for Animal Rights

Speak Out Against Rodeo Cruelty at the Melbourne Showgrounds

Rodeos are inherently cruel. Tell the Showground Managers and City of Moonee Valley you oppose animal suffering being used as entertainment.

Take Action

Say NO to Rodeos!

Leave a Comment

Recent Articles

Animals in Crisis: this data will shock you

Aquaculture

The Easiest Way To Support ALV

Kangaroos

Sign up for Email Updates

Get Emails