Humane World for Animals Australia

End calf roping in Australia

Calf roping, also known as “rope and tie,” is a rodeo event that subjects calves as young as 3–4 months old to extreme fear and physical harm. Despite being described as “horizontal hanging,” it remains legal in most Australian states.

In this event, a calf is chased, lassoed around the neck, thrown to the ground, and has their legs tied. Calves can suffer bruising, broken ribs, damage to their windpipes, and injuries associated with choking and strangulation. Scientific studies show calf roping causes physical injuries, fear, and mental distress, and calves may be roped multiple times in a single day.

Calf roping is already prohibited in the ACT, and restrictions in Victoria and South Australia effectively prohibit the event. Bans in the remaining states and territories are long overdue. You can help by calling for a ban on calf roping.

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{contact_data~title} {contact_data~firstName} {contact_data~lastName} {contact_data~suffix},
{contact_data~organization}

Dear {contact_data~salutation} {contact_data~lastName}

I am writing to express my concern about calf roping (rope-and-tie) events at rodeos, which cause significant pain and distress to young animals. Rodeos are already banned in Britain, parts of Europe, and the ACT, and calf roping is effectively prohibited in Victoria and South Australia. It is time to end this cruel practice in our state as well.

Calf roping places young calves at serious risk of injury, including damage to their windpipes from the lasso, bruising and broken ribs from being violently yanked to the ground, and choking or dragging injuries.

Community concern is clear. Recent RSPCA polling found that 61% of Australians are concerned about the animal-welfare impacts of calf roping and support a ban, and independent research shows widespread public concern about animal welfare issues in rodeos more broadly.

Victoria and South Australia have already acted by setting minimum weight requirements that effectively prohibits calf roping. Our state should follow their lead and bring an end to these events.

Please act urgently to ban calf roping events. I look forward to welcoming these long-awaited changes to bring an end to such unnecessary suffering. 

Yours sincerely,
{user_data~First name}

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