CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Matchbox Twenty has canceled a performance at a large rodeo event out of concern for the animals.

Lead singer Rob Thomas confirmed that the band is pulling out of its July 18 show at Cheyenne Frontier Days, which bills itself as the world's biggest outdoor rodeo.

"We ask that (fans) please understand that it would be impossible for us to put ourselves in the position of making money from what we believe to be the mistreatment of animals," according to a statement from Thomas posted Saturday on the band's Web site.

The Grammy-winning band is still scheduled to perform this summer at the North Dakota State Fair, which includes rodeo events.