Rodeos in the United States provide many issues which are controversial in nature. Some examples are rules and conduct of the various contests, methods and credentials of judges, methods of qualification of contestants, and in recent years, handling of the animals in the performances. Are animal rights violated in U.S. rodeos? People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and Animal Emancipation contend that all animals used in rodeo performances are treated in inhumane ways and they are vigorously opposed to any use of animals by humans, especially rodeo performances. They say, "Yes, animal rights are violated in rodeos." On the other side of the fence, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Friends of Rodeo disagree and say, "No, animal rights are not violated in rodeos." Also, that they are behind rules that protect animal welfare, and that they provide expert veterinarians and judges in rodeo competition who rigorously enforce the rules and provide a safe and humane environment for all the animals who are a main component of their livelihood.
             According to Webster's New World Dictionary, rights are defined as "1. What is right, or just, lawful, morally good, proper, correct, etc. 2. That which a person has a just claim to; power, privilege, etc. that belongs to a person by law, nature, or tradition: as, it was his right to say what he thought" (1254).
             Webster's definition includes concepts of morality, lawfulness, being just, proper and
             correct, but also directs rights toward people, belonging because of nature or tradition, and just power or privilege. Does that mean that animals cannot have rights because the concept of rights is directed toward humans and morality? Since Singer's influential book Animal Liberation was published in 1975, public concern over the ethical treatment of animals has increased dramatically. Animal rights groups have crit...