Rodeo is a sport with long American traditions and enjoyed by many spectators and participants. Past history has shown that rodeo needs to make way for a new era of riders and trainers with a greater emphasis on animal welfare and not be discontinued or banned altogether. Today's rodeos pose no danger to the animals because the animals are well cared for and protected, the rodeos have strict rules, and the animals are treated like precious animals. There is a very important distinction when it comes to animal welfare and rights. After learning to differentiate between the two, it is easier to distinguish the organization that wants to help animals and the people who want to end the use of animals. Even though there are different groups that support different programs for sports, both should have the same goal. Animal rights are organizations that seek to end the ownership and use of animals. The largest of these groups are The Humane Society and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. There is a “Pro-Rodeo” organization called “Friends of Rodeo”. They claim to be the only organization solely dedicated to protecting and promoting the sport of rodeo, regardless of association affiliation. “What rodeo proponents fail to recognize is that rodeos harm animals who are forced to participate in a competition that is essentially a display of human domination over other species” (The Rodeo 1). Animal welfare is based on the humane care and use of animals. animals. Organizations that support animal welfare seek to improve the treatment of animals. The first rule on humane care was established by the Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association in 1947, seven years before the Humane Society was established. The...... middle of paper...... rodeo also cruel and abusive. But rodeo is evolving today in hopes of improving. Chaining and rope animals are treated as prized animals. They even have their own fighting champions. The solution to any type of animal abuse lies in the continued review of the sport by the PRCA. As the sport evolves and animals become more valuable, this should lead to better animal care. Works Cited “Animal Rights” November 22, 2008 “Animal Welfare” November 24, 2008. Larson, Peggy W. Animal Abuse Inherent in Rodeos 2008 PO Box 28 Geneva, IL 60134 “Livestock Care” November 23, 2008 “Rodeo Facts » Nov. 22, 2008. “The Rodeo” Nov. 23.. 2008