Media centre

Rodeo calves exhibit “red flag” fear and stress behaviours prior to entering arena – new study

A new study published in international academic journal Ruminants has evaluated footage of calves used in rodeo calf-roping events, finding all calves exhibited behaviours indicating fear and stress prior to being released into the arena.

RSPCA Australia
Monday, 16 March 2026

Subscribe to our media centre

All calves studied demonstrated behaviours consistent with signs of fear and stress in the chute prior to release
Calves held for longer periods in the chute displayed more “red flag” behaviours, indicating greater levels of fear and stress

A new study published in international academic journal Ruminants has evaluated footage of calves used in rodeo calf-roping events, finding all calves exhibited behaviours indicating fear and stress prior to being released into the arena.

The study, which was co-authored by RSPCA Australia Senior Scientific Officer and veterinarian Dr Di Evans, is the first study to be published that investigates rodeo calf behaviours while they are confined in the chute.

The findings of the paper suggest that all calves experience some level of stress while in the chute – a type of holding crate with metal bars and panels that calves are loaded into before being released into the arena to be chased and roped. Longer periods of restraint cause more stress than shorter periods.

The paper, titled An Exploratory Study of Behaviours Expressed by Rodeo Calves Restrained in the Chute Prior to Release in Calf-Roping Events in Australia, published 13 February 2026, is the final article in a series of three studies undertaken by the University of Sydney into the effects of calf roping on calves at rodeo events.

Calf roping involves calves as young as four months being chased by a rider, lassoed around the neck, jerked off their feet and often crashing to the ground before having their legs forcefully bound with rope. It is common at many rodeos and legal in most states and territories, though it is notably prohibited in South Australia and Victoria. It should be noted that rodeos are banned in the ACT.

Dr Evans says the paper strengthens the case for banning the activity of calf roping at rodeos nationally. “This study adds to the existing body of evidence that calves experience significant fear and stress in the main phases of calf rope and tie events, including whilst being restrained in the chute prior to release,” she said.

“Although all calves showed signs consistent with fear and stress, those who were restrained for a longer period displayed behaviours indicating heightened levels, compared to those who were held for less time.

“Given the inherent significant animal welfare risks with calf roping, there should be no doubt that all jurisdictions should follow the lead of Victoria and South Australia by effectively prohibiting calf-roping events,” said Dr Evans.

Over thirty video clips of calf roping were analysed to document the frequency of individual behaviours in each calf, such as head, tail and body movements, and ear position. Several behaviours, including eye white to iris ratio, rearing, escape attempts, open mouth and tongue protrusion were classified as “red flags” due to their moderate to strong association with negative mental states in animals.

All rodeo events cause harm to the animals used. However, calf roping has drawn criticism nationally and internationally due to concerns for the welfare of the calves used, specifically the high risks of fear, stress, pain and injury.

The paper can be accessed online here, free of charge. Further information can be found RSPCA Great & Small Talk Podcast S3E2 episode What you need to know about calf roping in rodeos, and why it needs to end, and on the RSPCA Knowledgebase.

Knowledgebase • Offsite

What are the animal welfare issues with rodeos?

The RSPCA is opposed to rodeos and rodeo schools because of the potential for significant injury, suffering or distress to the animals involved.

Great Small Talk Calf Roping Wesbite Image

Podcast

Episode S3E2 16 November 2023

What you need to know about calf roping in rodeos, and why it needs to end

What you need to know about calf roping in rodeos, and why it needs to end. With Di Evans.

Season 3

Share this post

Copy link

Subscribe today and we’ll keep you updated on all the latest campaigns, events and news.

We care about your data in our privacy policy.

Rodeo calves exhibit “red flag” fear and stress behaviours prior to entering arena – new study

See also

Stay informed on big issues and how you can help improve animal welfare across Australia.