Rodeo Regulation: When Cruelty Attempts to Disguise Itself as Culture

Induced Suffering in the Arena

Contrary to the narrative that rodeo bulls and horses buck due to natural instinct or bravery, veterinary medicine proves that their desperate leaps are a response to severe painful stimuli, caused by the sedém (a leather strap or rope tightly pulled over the animal’s flanks and inguinal region), electric shocks in the chutes, and sharp spurs.

The Unconstitutionality of Recreational Cruelty: STF (Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court) and Precedents

The Supreme Federal Court (STF) has established historic case law (as in ADI 4983 regarding *Vaquejada* and rulings on *Farra do Boi* and cockfighting) that cultural manifestations cannot override the constitutional prohibition of cruelty.

Although Constitutional Amendment 96/2017 attempted to create an artificial shield for animal-based sports, legal scholars and animal rights advocates argue for the material unconstitutionality of any norm that legitimizes animal torture for mere profitable entertainment.

Proven Physical and Psychological Harm

• Musculoskeletal Injuries: Ligament ruptures, limb fractures, and spinal injuries caused by violent falls in the arena.
• Urogenital Damage: The mechanical compression of the *sedém* causes severe internal injuries to the bulls’ urethra and testicles.
• Panic and Extreme Stress: Astronomical cortisol levels and tachycardia that place the animal in a constant state of sensory panic.

“Tradition ends where the fundamental right of a sentient being not to be tortured for public amusement begins.”

Our Position

Gaia Libertas supports the transition of municipal events to animal-free cultural festivals, redirecting public funding toward art, music, and genuinely peaceful traditions. Animals deserve respect, not an arena.