Rodeos are public entertainment events involving the use of animals in competitive activities such as saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, calf or steer roping and team roping.

These events are typically presented as demonstrations of riding or handling skill and are conducted in front of an audience as timed or judged competitions. Behavioural observations suggest that animals are unlikely to experience rodeo events as positive or enjoyable and that they commonly exhibit responses consistent with fear during these events.

Rodeos are regulated differently across Australia. They are prohibited in the Australian Capital Territory, but continue to be held in other states under a combination of legislation, codes of practice and permit systems. These frameworks set minimum standards for how animals must be handled, housed and used during events, including requirements relating to facilities such as yards, chutes and arenas.

Rodeo events generally involve animals being held in pens or chutes before being released into an arena where they are chased, roped, ridden or physically restrained.

In roping events, a calf or steer is released into the arena and pursued on horseback. A rope is thrown to catch the animal, typically around the neck or head, and the animal is brought to a stop. In team roping, two riders work together to rope the animal's head and hind legs, which can result in sudden restraint and loss of footing.

In steer wrestling, a rider dismounts from a moving horse, grabs the steer by the horns and uses force to bring the animal to the ground. This involves twisting the head and neck to destabilise the steer.

In bronc riding and bull riding, a rider mounts a horse or bull in a chute before the animal is released into the arena. A strap is applied around the animal's hindquarters to encourage bucking behaviour. Once released, the animal bucks, twists and kicks in an attempt to dislodge the rider.

Rodeo events involve situations where animals are exposed to chasing, restraint, physical pressure and forced exertion in unfamiliar and noisy environments. These conditions can result in behavioural responses consistent with fear and stress, including attempts to flee, resist restraint or dislodge riders.

There is potential for severe injury across multiple events. In roping events, animals may experience abrupt stopping forces when the rope tightens, which can affect the neck and spine. Falls can occur when animals lose footing after being roped or restrained. In steer wrestling, the application of force to the head and neck presents a risk of musculoskeletal injury. In riding events, animals may stumble, collide with arena infrastructure or fall while attempting to remove the rider.

Across Australia, legal framework does not prohibit the use of animals in rodeos in most states, provided minimum welfare standards are met. As a result, rodeos remain a legally sanctioned form of entertainment involving animals, despite ongoing concerns about the impacts on animal welfare.