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Montreal Gazette
an hour ago
- Montreal Gazette
Opinion: How are rodeos still a thing?
Op Eds The Calgary Stampede has a long history; it dates back to 1912 when it was promoted by American Guy Weadick to celebrate cowboy culture and the Wild West. However, it's clear to those of us who care about animal welfare that rodeos have a long history of animal cruelty. Most recently, a horse was euthanized at the Calgary Stampede — having broken his leg during the chuckwagon race. His name was Rider. The chuckwagon race involves four horses pulling a 1,300-pound covered wagon — reminiscent of old-time food wagons — in a race against other wagons. Entrants can reach speeds of up to 65 km/h and it is often during these races that animals are injured or killed. Outside of the chuckwagon, rodeo events also include calf roping, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling and wild cow milking which also carry significant risk for animal injury and death. Since 1986, there have been 110 known fatalities at the Calgary Stampede, with 79 horses killed during chuckwagon races alone. Other animals killed and injured include calves, steers and bucking horses. While many suffer from leg injuries and must be euthanized, horses also die from heart attacks, and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhages. According to the Calgary Humane Society, these numbers only reflect the official number of animals killed during the event itself; there are countless other animals who die behind the scenes while riders are attempting to perfect their skills. It is small wonder that animal rights groups have been calling for the termination of the rodeo events at the Stampede for years. In fact, Animal Justice has recently filed a legal complaint, calling for a full investigation into whether there should be charges laid against rodeo participants under provincial and federal animal protection laws following Rider's death. A smaller scale version of the Stampede takes place every September in Quebec. The Festival Western de St-Tite attracts thousands of visitors annually. Animal events include saddle bronc riding, bull riding, tie-down roping and steer wrestling that have drawn criticism over the years. In 2017, a horse named Grady died of a suspected spinal cord injury during the bucking bronco event. In 2018, Alain Roy, a respected Université de Montréal law professor and animal rights activist, published a report based on witness accounts at over 20 events. This lengthy report accused the organizers of the St-Tite festival of violating Quebec's animal welfare laws and found evidence that the animals were exposed to serious risk of injury as well as psychological distress. According to the CBC, the festival's promoters responded that the report was biased and dismissed its findings claiming that their own animal treatment specialist had found 'no abuse, negligence or unacceptable behaviour' on their part. Professor Roy had previously been unsuccessful in preventing the urban rodeo held at Montreal's 375th anniversary celebrations in 2017. The fact that the St-Tite rodeo continues to run, undeterred by complaints of animal cruelty, is curious, particularly in a province where its Civil Code (art. 898.1) recognizes animal sentience —requiring that animals be considered as more than just 'things' (i.e. property) but as beings with biological needs, capable of feeling pleasure and pain. While the recognition of sentience in the Civil Code since 2015 is a step in the right direction, it must be more than symbolic to have any real effect. Moreover, one wonders if people would feel differently if companion animals were being killed annually at rodeos. What if the headline had read instead: 'Labradoodle euthanized after injury during chuckwagon race at the Calgary Stampede'? Perhaps because cows and horses are not considered pets, nor are they part of our families (for most people), they do not rate the same considerations. Arguments in favour of rodeos focus on their history, the so-called entertainment they provide and 'sport.' However, the injury, death and cruelty to animals that we see must stop. Rider and Grady, and countless others like them, deserve no less. Kathryn M. Campbell is a full professor of criminology at the University of Ottawa. She is a member of the Canadian Animal Law Study Group and resides in Montreal.
Calgary Herald
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
Riders' theme night headlines this weekend's five things to do in Regina (July 25-27)
Article content Christmas in July? Article content The Saskatchewan Roughriders' next home game — Friday night against the Edmonton Elks — features a holiday theme in the heart of summer. Details are sketchy, but the home team is inviting fans to embrace 'the spirit of giving.' Article content 'We're bringing the holidays home for some festive football with Mosaic Stadium set to shine like a star on the tree,' says a news release. 'It's the jolliest night of the summer as we bring the chill to a warm prairie night.' Article content Article content Article content Billed as 'the ultimate spot for pre-game fun with activities for Rider fans of all ages,' it takes place in Confederation Park on the west side of Mosaic Stadium. Article content Party in the Park features: inflatables, face painters and tailgate games for all ages; a food truck, full-service bar and ice cream truck; performances by the Rider pep band and cheer team; and, giveaways from the Rider hype team and select corporate partners. Article content French-Algerian performer Pierre Bensusan is bringing his latest world tour to the Artesian on Saturday night. Article content In an online preview, fans are invited to a 'wonderful evening with legendary guitarist and composer Pierre Bensusan (aka 'The Prince of DADGAD') as he celebrates 50 years of genre-bending world music with his acclaimed solo show One Guitar, One Voice.' Article content Article content World music is a fusion of traditional, contemporary, jazz, classical and pop music. Bensusan — with his steel-string acoustic guitar — is referred to 'one of the most eloquent world music musicians of our time.' Article content He has been named best guitarist of world music by the readers of Guitar Player Magazine while his triple record 'Encore' was named a Grand Prix winner for best live album at the Independent Music Awards. Article content 3. Bluey Block Party Article content The Grasslands neighbourhood continues its summer events series on Saturday (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) at the Landing with a special appearance by beloved cartoon character Bluey. Article content Activities also include bouncy castles, games and a market with crafts and goods created by kids in the local community. Article content No walk-ins. Registration is required at
Ottawa Citizen
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Ottawa Citizen
Riders' theme night headlines this weekend's five things to do in Regina (July 25-27)
Article content Christmas in July? Article content The Saskatchewan Roughriders' next home game — Friday night against the Edmonton Elks — features a holiday theme in the heart of summer. Details are sketchy, but the home team is inviting fans to embrace 'the spirit of giving.' Article content 'We're bringing the holidays home for some festive football with Mosaic Stadium set to shine like a star on the tree,' says a news release. 'It's the jolliest night of the summer as we bring the chill to a warm prairie night.' Article content Article content Article content Along with Friday's Christmas theme, the Coors Light Party in the Park opens three hours before game-time and closes at kickoff before every home contest. Article content Billed as 'the ultimate spot for pre-game fun with activities for Rider fans of all ages,' it takes place in Confederation Park on the west side of Mosaic Stadium. Article content Party in the Park features: inflatables, face painters and tailgate games for all ages; a food truck, full-service bar and ice cream truck; performances by the Rider pep band and cheer team; and, giveaways from the Rider hype team and select corporate partners. Article content French-Algerian performer Pierre Bensusan is bringing his latest world tour to the Artesian on Saturday night. Article content In an online preview, fans are invited to a 'wonderful evening with legendary guitarist and composer Pierre Bensusan (aka 'The Prince of DADGAD') as he celebrates 50 years of genre-bending world music with his acclaimed solo show One Guitar, One Voice.' Article content Article content World music is a fusion of traditional, contemporary, jazz, classical and pop music. Bensusan — with his steel-string acoustic guitar — is referred to 'one of the most eloquent world music musicians of our time.' Article content He has been named best guitarist of world music by the readers of Guitar Player Magazine while his triple record 'Encore' was named a Grand Prix winner for best live album at the Independent Music Awards. Article content 3. Bluey Block Party Article content The Grasslands neighbourhood continues its summer events series on Saturday (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) at the Landing with a special appearance by beloved cartoon character Bluey. Article content Activities also include bouncy castles, games and a market with crafts and goods created by kids in the local community. Article content No walk-ins. Registration is required at
Winnipeg Free Press
19-07-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Animal abuse and rodeos
Opinion Rodeo season is upon us, and last week the nation's attention was focused on the Calgary Stampede. It didn't take long for animal welfare concerns to rise to the forefront, starting with the collapse of a horse during the opening Stampede Parade, and ending with the death of Rider, a horse participating in the chuckwagon races. Calgary Stampede CEO Joel Cowley called it 'an unfortunate incident.' The Vancouver Humane Society has been collecting statistics on animal deaths at the Calgary Stampede since 1986. The total is 110, with 2024 being one of the deadliest rodeos in Stampede history. Last year, four animals died: a steer used in steer wrestling and three horses used in chuckwagon racing. Chuckwagon racing is one of the deadliest rodeo events for horses, pushing them beyond their limits at tight speeds in tight spaces. This leads to tragic outcomes such as broken legs, heart failure, and fatal collisions. Other rodeo events, such as bronc/bull riding, animal scrambles, team roping, and wild horse/pony races, are also outdated and cruel modes of using animals as entertainment, as they cause significant mental and physical distress to the animals involved. Stock animals like calves and steers used in these events are often roped, chased, roughly handled, and extensively practised on even before entering a rodeo event. Negative reinforcement training methods such as electric shocks and flank straps are commonly used to train animals such as bulls to buck as violently as possible, with no reprieve until the desired behaviour is attained. The physical pain and immense fear that many animals experience in these events does not justify the entertainment value of the spectacle. While the Calgary Stampede may be the most nationally visible example of the unnecessary and cruel exploitation of animals for rodeo entertainment purposes, Manitoba has its own rodeo circuit. In addition to annual events in Morris and Selkirk, the Heartland Rodeo Association also travels to towns throughout Manitoba over the summer months. Event organizers and supporters often make the case for these rodeo events as supporting rural roots and traditions, citing concerns are raised by a largely urban population that doesn't understand rural life and values. Their position is that events such as animal scrambles, where youth chase animals around a loud crowded arena in an attempt to remove a halter from the animal's neck, provide an educational opportunity for urban dwellers on the day-to-day nature of farm life. However, this approach shows little regard for the physical and mental distress suffered by the animals involved. Framing the issue as simply a difference in values between urban and rural is a red herring. Whether one lives on a farm or in a condo, the majority of people do not want to see harm come to an animal. In fact, most Manitobans would agree that compassion and empathy for all living beings are not rural or urban considerations; they're human values. As we grow in our understanding of animals, many people are choosing to support events that celebrate them with care and compassion. In 2022, polling showed that 67 per cent of Canadians were against using animals in rodeos, with this number growing as public education on rodeos becomes more readily available. Moving away from rodeo events that cause mental and physical distress and suffering gives us the chance to create new traditions that honour animals without causing them stress or harm. By embracing humane alternatives, we can enjoy meaningful experiences that reflect our values of empathy and respect. Many agricultural fairs and events throughout the province have family friendly activities that do not harm animals or cause them distress. The midway, carnival games, vendor markets, mud bogging, tractor and machinery displays, live music, strongman competitions, bouncy castles, dog agility and flying disc displays, face painting, chainsaw carving, clowns, and parades are all more humane alternatives. It's time to move toward rodeo traditions that honour animals rather than placing them at risk. Krista Boryskavich is the director of animal advocacy and legal and government affairs at the Winnipeg Humane Society.
Hypebeast
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Maison Margiela & CELINE Debut New Directors as Balenciaga Says Farewell in This Week's Top Fashion News
Glenn Martensmade his long-awaited debut forMaison Margiela, presenting a memorable collection rooted inMartin Margiela's visionary legacy and the romantic contributions of the tenured former creative directorJohn Galliano. On July 9, the designer took his audience back to where Martin Margiela staged his final collection in March 2009 at Parisian cultural space Le Centquatre. The opening directly references the 2009 show with translucent polyurethane armor. Later, what appeared to be leather coats were finished with a rigid and rugged quality, and even the seemingly light, graceful fabrics appeared burnt and tattered. Towards the close, renewal became imminent in technicolor florals, and a long-sleeve dress covered with the spoils of a golden treasure chest. While the impressive debut marks a new era at Maison Margiela, Martens demonstrated his skill in advancing established legacies with novelty. Michael Riderdebuted his highly anticipated first collection as creative director forCELINEin Paris. This homecoming marks a new era for the luxury house, defined by preppy styles, sculptural silhouettes, glamorous eveningwear, and skinny jeans, following Hedi Slimane's departure. Rider, who previously worked at CELINE underPhoebe Philo, emphasized the brand's core values: quality, timelessness, and enduring style. His collection blended business with extravagance, featuring muted trench coats and blazers accessorized with decadent gold jewelry. Bold blues, saturated reds, and rich greens appeared on oversized bags and perfectly proportioned sportswear. Rider's vision prioritizes longevity, aiming to create investment pieces that transcend generations and become a cherished part of the wearer's life. In his final collection forBalenciaga,Demnamarked the end of his decade-long tenure, reflecting on fashion's constant evolution. He emphasized the industry's need to 'dress the future before it has a name,' a profound statement underscoring his design philosophy. The 54th Couture collection, set in Paris, featured campaign stars likeKim KardashianandNaomi Campbell. Demna reimagined classic 'La Bourgeoisie' styles with bold tailoring and subtle prints, alongside Hollywood-inspired glamour, notably referencing Elizabeth Taylor. Men's looks showcased his signature elevation of everyday items, including a couture sneaker and a 'jewelry box' laptop case, blending the mundane with the extraordinary. This collection, seen as a clean slate before Pierpaolo Piccioli takes over, was notably subdued and elegant, focusing on meticulous detail rather than past gimmicks. Berlin Fashion Week SS26showcased an impressive lineup of designers, drawing international attention to the city's top talent. The event highlighted unique fashion manifestos, includingDavid Koma's debut menswear catwalk, 'I LOVE DAVID,' which featured wearable formal ensembles inspired by David Beckham and Michelangelo's David. GmbH's Spring 2026 show, 'Imitation of Life,' offered a poetic and emotional commentary on the global state, looking to childhood for a hopeful Beil's 'Milieuschutz' collection marked a return to intention, reflecting on transformation and responsibility, with designs inspired by their new studio in an old pharmacy. Lastly,SF1OG's Spring 2026 show explored obsessive desire and emotional decay through the lens of a teenage dream, showcasing youthful freedom and craftsmanship on antique textiles. Justin Bieberhas officially launched his new fashion label,SKYLRK, unveiling its first vibrant collection. This venture marks a shift from his previous brand, Drew House, reflecting a new creative vision. After nearly 18 months of teasing, the initial drop features a range of apparel and accessories, including hoodies, headwear, oversized sunglasses, and two footwear models. The collection boasts hoodies in 'Fizz' yellow, 'Super Blue,' and 'Smudge' black, complemented by beanies in 'Gum' pink, 'Jelly' red, and 'Fizz.' A standout piece is the 'Upside Down' oversized sunglasses with bold, bubbled lenses, an aesthetic echoed in the 'Chunky Mule' and 'Beach Slide' footwear. The entire collection is now available on SKYLRK's official webstore, with further brand details expected soon. DesignerHeron Prestonhas reacquired full rights to his namesake brand fromNew Guards Group(NGG), signaling a fresh start. Preston, who launched his label under NGG in 2017, bought back control amidst strategic shifts for NGG, including a recent bankruptcy filing and its acquisition by Coupang. This move follows other brands likeAMBUSHandPalm Angelsalso departing NGG's portfolio. Preston emphasized his commitment to his creative vision, stating he 'fought for my name, my work and my vision.' Now based in Brooklyn and independent of external investors, he is poised to launch his next collection in October. This reacquisition allows Preston to fully focus on expanding his unique design aesthetic, marking an exciting new chapter for the brand.
