Animal Welfare & Safety at the Livermore Rodeo

Our Commitment to the Animals

At the Livermore Rodeo, the health, safety, and well-being of our animal athletes is our highest priority. Rodeo animals are respected partners in our sport, and they receive exceptional care before, during, and after every performance. Our rodeo proudly follows Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rules and standards, which are among the strictest animal welfare regulations in professional sports.

PRCA Rules & Regulation

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) has established more than 60 animal welfare rules within its official Rules and Regulations to ensure the proper care and treatment of rodeo animals. The Livermore Rodeo operates in full compliance with these PRCA Animal Welfare Rules.

While the complete rules and regulations are too numerous to list in full, the following safeguards are included in the PRCA Rules and Regulations:

A veterinarian must be on-site at all PRCA-sanctioned rodeos.
All animals are inspected and evaluated for illness, weight, eyesight, and injury prior to the rodeo. No animals that are sore, lame, sick, or injured are allowed to participate.
Acceptable spurs must be dull.
Standard electric prods may be used only when necessary and may only touch the animal on the hip or shoulder area.
Stimulants and hypnotics may not be given to any animal to improve performance.
Any PRCA member caught using unnecessary roughness or abusing an animal may be immediately disqualified from the rodeo and fined. This applies whether the incident occurs in the competitive arena or elsewhere on the rodeo grounds.
Weight limitations are set for calves (between 220 and 280 pounds) and steers (between 450 and 650 pounds).
Flank straps for horses are fleece- or neoprene-lined. Flank straps for bulls are made of soft cotton rope and may be lined with fleece or neoprene.
Steers used in team roping and steer roping are required to have a protective covering placed around their horns.
The use of prods and similar devices is prohibited in the riding events unless an animal is stalled in the chute.
A no-jerk-down rule provides for fines if a contestant jerks a calf over backwards in tie-down roping.
All rodeos must have a conveyance available to humanely transport any injured animal.
Chutes must be constructed with the safety of the animals in mind.

These animal welfare rules are written, enforced, and governed by the PRCA and apply uniformly to all PRCA-sanctioned rodeos, including the Livermore Rodeo.

Veterinary Care & Daily Monitoring

Licensed veterinarians are present on-site at the Livermore Rodeo to oversee animal health and safety. Animals are routinely checked for soundness, comfort, and overall well-being.

Care includes:

Pre-event health inspections
Continuous monitoring during competition
Post-event evaluations
Immediate treatment if needed

Animals that are not 100% fit to compete do not compete—period.

Housing, Nutrition & Transportation

Rodeo animals are elite athletes and are cared for as such. They are provided:

Clean, spacious pens and stalls
Fresh water at all times
High-quality feed tailored to their needs
Regular rest and recovery time

Transportation is handled by experienced stock contractors who prioritize animal comfort and safety, using well-maintained trailers and carefully planned schedules.

Equipment: Designed for Safety

Rodeo equipment is often misunderstood. All equipment used at the Livermore Rodeo is strictly regulated and designed not to cause injury.

Common equipment explained:

Flank straps: Made of soft materials and worn loosely to encourage movement, not pain. They do not touch sensitive areas.
Ropes & reins: Designed for control, not harm, and checked regularly for proper fit.
Protective gear: Used for both animals and contestants where appropriate.

Any equipment that could cause harm is strictly prohibited.

Beyond the Arena: Lifetime Care

Rodeo animals are not disposable. Many go on to:

Compete for multiple seasons
Retire to breeding programs
Live long, healthy lives on ranches

Stock contractors depend on healthy, happy animals—their livelihoods rely on it.

Our Promise

The Livermore Rodeo is committed to promoting a safe, respectful, and humane environment for all animals involved. Animal welfare is not just a rule—it’s a responsibility we proudly uphold.

Learn More About PRCA Animal Welfare Standards

The Livermore Rodeo thanks our stock contractors, veterinarians, rodeo personnel, and volunteers who work tirelessly to protect and care for our animal athletes.