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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 Other rodeo events, such as bronc/bull riding, animal scrambles, team roping, and wild horse/pony races, are also outdated and cruel modes of using animals as entertainment, as they cause significant mental and physical distress to the animals involved.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.
CTV News
13-07-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Horse euthanized following Saturday chuckwagon races at Calgary Stampede
A horse from Chad Fike's team was euthanized Saturday night following the eighth heat of the 2025 Rangeland Derby at the Calgary Stampede. An injured horse was euthanized following the chuckwagon races Saturday night at the Calgary Stampede. Stampede CEO Joel Cowley confirmed the incident in a Sunday press conference. 'Last night, there was an unfortunate incident,' Cowley said. 'Chad Fike, in the eighth heat of the Rangeland Derby, had a right wheel horse -a horse named Rider - suffer a fracture to his left front cannon bone. 'Upon consulting with the veterinarian on the track, it was decided that the most humane thing to do would be to euthanize that animal. 'Our condolences go out to the Fike family for their loss.' Fike pulled up during the eighth heat and received no time. The race was shown on tape delay on television and there was no mention of the incident on the broadcast apart from mentioning that Fike didn't finish. 'Prevent more suffering and deaths': VHS Sunday morning, Vancouver Humane Society campaign director Emily Pickett issued a statement, calling for the rodeo and chuckwagon races 'to be removed from the Stampede program to prevent more suffering and deaths.' Animal cruelty protest, Calgary, July 6, 2025 Animal rights activists protested rodeo and chuckwagon events at the Calgary Stampede Sunday afternoon. (Jordany Kanygin, CTV Calgary) 'The Stampede has built a careful narrative claiming organizers care about animal welfare, but animals die almost every single year. It's simply not worth the risk. If they truly cared, the so-called Half-Mile of Hell would be a thing of the past,' Pickett added. Sunday afternoon, Animal Justice issued a release calling for the Calgary Humane Society, which is responsible for enforcing Alberta's animal protection laws within the city, to investigate the incident and 'hold those responsible for causing distress, injury, and suffering accountable.' 'It is 2025, but these completely preventable killings continue to happen,' said Camille Labchuk, lawyer and executive director at Animal Justice. 'It's absurd that Stampede organizers permit this brutal spectacle to continue where horses are doomed to die nearly every year.' Saturday night's horse death was the first one of the 2025 Stampede. This is a developing story that will be updated throughout the day. With files from CTV's Jordan Kanygin
Hamilton Spectator
24-06-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Calgary Stampede rodeo safety to include shaded pens, heart monitors for horses
CALGARY - Tents are being set up to provide shade for bulls and broncs and some chuckwagon horses are to be fitted with tiny electrocardiograms at the upcoming Calgary Stampede. Based on scorching heat at the rodeo last summer, Ed Pajor, a professor of animal behaviour and welfare in the University of Calgary's faculty of veterinary medicine, says the animals could use a break. 'We saw things like increased respiration rate in some of the bulls. We saw some bulls drooling. These are signs that the animals might be experiencing some discomfort due to the heat,' Pajor said at a news conference Tuesday. The university is working with the Stampede to study some of the animals this year. They'll specifically look at whether bucking bulls and broncos will be happier and healthier if they have a shady place to hang out right before the competition. 'It seems like a pretty straightforward question,' said Pajor, adding if shade is beneficial, the Stampede would have to decide whether to invest in more tent coverings in the future. Additional research at the rodeo is to focus on the heart health of horses in the chuckwagon races. Dr. Renaud Léguillette with the university's veterinary school specializes in equine health and performance, and works closely with chuckwagon horses during the Stampede. His research includes identifying in equine blood a baseline for troponin — a protein released when the heart muscle is damaged — to track underlying cardiovascular or other health issues. 'The goal of our research is to prevent cardiac accidents during the chuckwagon racing due to a cardiac problem,' said Léguillette. 'There are some horses who have more electrical activity issues when they race or have a harder time to recover from the races.' At the Stampede, outrider horses and horses pulling the wagons are to be fitted with electrocardiograms before and during the races. Léguillette said the devices and the blood tests can show what horses are at a higher risk of cardiac arrest and that information is passed on to chuckwagon drivers. 'I call it like a green light, an orange light and a red light. The red light horses, I will definitely have a discussion with the drivers ... they are very responsive, concerned and will make the right decisions.' An official with the Stampede said research in this area could benefit an entire industry. 'We know there is an element of risk in all sport. Our goal is to create the safest conditions possible. That's why all of this research takes place ... to remove all of those elements of risk,' said Kristina Barnes, the Stampede's director of agriculture and western events. 'Can we remove completely that element of risk? No. But anything that we can control we certainly will.' The 10-day celebration of western culture, which runs from July 4-13, has long been a target of animal rights groups. The Vancouver Humane Society wants the rodeo portion of the Stampede eliminated. 'We're seeing deaths at the Calgary Stampede almost every single year. It's really not a matter of if another animal will die at the Stampede ... it's when,' said Chantelle Archambault with the group. 'Last year, there were four animal deaths. It also marks at least 109 animals deaths at the Stampede since we began tracking fatalities in 1986.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 24, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
24-06-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Calgary Stampede rodeo safety to include shaded pens, heart monitors for horses
CALGARY – Tents are being set up to provide shade for bulls and broncs and some chuckwagon horses are to be fitted with tiny electrocardiograms at the upcoming Calgary Stampede. Based on scorching heat at the rodeo last summer, Ed Pajor, a professor of animal behaviour and welfare in the University of Calgary's faculty of veterinary medicine, says the animals could use a break. 'We saw things like increased respiration rate in some of the bulls. We saw some bulls drooling. These are signs that the animals might be experiencing some discomfort due to the heat,' Pajor said at a news conference Tuesday. The university is working with the Stampede to study some of the animals this year. They'll specifically look at whether bucking bulls and broncos will be happier and healthier if they have a shady place to hang out right before the competition. 'It seems like a pretty straightforward question,' said Pajor, adding if shade is beneficial, the Stampede would have to decide whether to invest in more tent coverings in the future. Additional research at the rodeo is to focus on the heart health of horses in the chuckwagon races. Dr. Renaud Léguillette with the university's veterinary school specializes in equine health and performance, and works closely with chuckwagon horses during the Stampede. His research includes identifying in equine blood a baseline for troponin — a protein released when the heart muscle is damaged — to track underlying cardiovascular or other health issues. 'The goal of our research is to prevent cardiac accidents during the chuckwagon racing due to a cardiac problem,' said Léguillette. 'There are some horses who have more electrical activity issues when they race or have a harder time to recover from the races.' At the Stampede, outrider horses and horses pulling the wagons are to be fitted with electrocardiograms before and during the races. Léguillette said the devices and the blood tests can show what horses are at a higher risk of cardiac arrest and that information is passed on to chuckwagon drivers. 'I call it like a green light, an orange light and a red light. The red light horses, I will definitely have a discussion with the drivers … they are very responsive, concerned and will make the right decisions.' An official with the Stampede said research in this area could benefit an entire industry. 'We know there is an element of risk in all sport. Our goal is to create the safest conditions possible. That's why all of this research takes place … to remove all of those elements of risk,' said Kristina Barnes, the Stampede's director of agriculture and western events. 'Can we remove completely that element of risk? No. But anything that we can control we certainly will.' The 10-day celebration of western culture, which runs from July 4-13, has long been a target of animal rights groups. The Vancouver Humane Society wants the rodeo portion of the Stampede eliminated. 'We're seeing deaths at the Calgary Stampede almost every single year. It's really not a matter of if another animal will die at the Stampede … it's when,' said Chantelle Archambault with the group. 'Last year, there were four animal deaths. It also marks at least 109 animals deaths at the Stampede since we began tracking fatalities in 1986.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 24, 2025.
CTV News
13-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Calls to abolish horse racing in East Vancouver after latest animal death
File: Horses kick up mud as they round a corner during a stakes race at Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver, B.C., on Monday July 2, 2012. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck) There are calls to abolish horse racing in East Vancouver following another death at the Hastings Racecourse. The racehorse Gem Dancer collapsed and died following an event on Sunday, during a period of elevated temperatures that Environment and Climate Change Canada called an 'early season heat event.' In a news release, the Vancouver Humane Society suggested the horse died due to heat exhaustion, and called the incident 'preventable.' The charitable organization also submitted a report to city council the following day asking officials to end horse racing at the facility when its operating agreement expires next year. 'The VHS is urging decision-makers to support a move away from horse racing at Hastings Park and toward alternative land use that offers potential for long-term economic resilience, greater public utilization of space, and alignment with public values and interest,' the charity said. B.C.'s Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General told CTV News that Gem Dancer's cause of death has not been confirmed, but she was taken to the Animal Health Centre for a necropsy. In a statement, the ministry confirmed the horse 'began showing signs of distress' and collapsed shortly after being led off the track on Sunday. She was attended to by a veterinarian from the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch – which regulates the B.C. horseracing industry – along with several others onlookers, but could not be saved, officials said. 'Despite efforts to cool the horse down, and after being in distress for (approximately two minutes), Gem Dancer became unresponsive and was pronounced deceased by the attending veterinarian,' the ministry said, in its statement. There were four deaths at Hastings Racecourse last year, three of which were related to races. One took place during training. That amounts to 1.78 deaths per 1,000 starts, according to the province. The Vancouver Humane Society said that rate is 'markedly higher' than the industry average, and 'almost double the 0.90 fatality rate at tracks regulated by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.' No deaths were recorded at Faser Downs Racetrack last year.
