Exposure and Exploitation: Rodeo Animals Front and Center While Region Shut Down

By Siodhachan Fitz, Feb 18, 2026

Heading toward the end of January, Dallas found itself facing another dangerous record freeze. In preparation, businesses, schools, farms, and local services all planned to hunker down and wait out the storm with the conspicuous exception of the Dallas Rodeo.

“All scheduled events at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo will occur as planned during the weekend of Jan. 23-25… we are working closely with city staff to remove ice from streets and pedestrian walkways.” — Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo officials in a news release about continuing events despite the winter storm

Fox4News says preparations were underway by first responders in anticipation of dangerous road conditions, hazardous cold conditions and potential power outages (Marks and DeLatte). The article also warns locals to plan ahead due to adjusted hours and closures of grocery stores and other businesses. Local news sources are calling it a potentially catastrophic storm, while others warn of a record arctic storm. In light of this, it seems counterintuitive that the Rodeo insisted on keeping doors open.  In addition to the risks to the local populace due to dangerous road conditions and temperatures that can be harmful or even fatal, there is another population that wasn’t consulted on whether the show must go on - the animals. Farm animals, like humans, are severely at risk during the hazardous conditions of an arctic storm. 

“Winter storms can impact animal health, and prolonged cold combined with strong wind chills increases livestock’s need for shelter, food and water… Cold weather changes everything for livestock” (Texas Farm Bureau)

Ranchers and farmers in Dallas were also rushing to prepare for the storm, expressing concern that animals require additional feed when the cold causes them to burn calories more quickly. Additionally, the cold can negatively affect stores, water sources, and other facilities, increasing risk to the animals (Texas Farm Bureau). According to animal advocate organization PETA, “Animals are especially vulnerable in cold weather and winter storms, which lead to multiple deaths, injuries, and near-miss rescues each year” - (PETA). 

While rodeo organizers often stress that serious animal injuries are rare, there is documented precedent for fatal outcomes at major Texas events. In January 2017, two bronc riding horses at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo died after running into the arena wall and suffering spinal injuries during competition — incidents that drew public criticism from animal welfare advocates - (de Bruijn)

All of this information points to one clear consensus - cold is a serious risk to animals. Additionally, Rodeo events are high risk events for animals. Animals can and have died in local Texas rodeos, both in Houston and in Dallas. The events are rough on the animals, put them in compromising positions, and often center around very young animals. As anyone who has ever injured themself in the cold can attest, extreme cold can increase injury risk and slow healing time. When combined with life-threatening activity, it spells a recipe for disaster. I reached out to local veterinary staff for comment, and here’s what they had to say: 

Due to the increased stress already on their bodies due to extreme cold, additionally forcing animals to undergo harsh, stressful, dangerous, and possibly terrifying experiences seems like an unnecessary and cruel fate. It demonstrates a lack of empathy, and a focus on profits over safety or ethical concerns. So my question to the Dallas Rodeo is simple, why is it when everyone, including essential services, felt it was important to shutter during the storm, you felt it was ok to put people and animals alike at risk to fill your pockets?