A history of the Calgary Stampede’s controversial animal events
Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur \ We Animals Media The 2024 Calgary Stampede is underway July 5-14, and with it comes inhumane rodeo events and the deadly chuckwagon races that result in animal fatalities nearly every year. Let’s take a look at the controversial history of the Calgary Stampede rodeo and chuckwagon races. The Vancouver Humane Society has been tracking Stampede rodeo and chuckwagon racing fatalities since 1986. Since then, 109 animals have died in the Stampede’s events. 78 of those deaths have been horses used in the chuckwagon races. The true toll of animal deaths may be much higher due to the number of animals that are practiced on and injured behind the scenes. Why are there so many fatalities in the chuckwagon races? The chuckwagon races are the deadliest event at the Calgary Stampede. Almost every year, horses die during this event, which is known as the “half-mile of hell”. The…
Steer and two horses euthanized at Calgary Stampede rodeo & chuckwagons
Three animals were euthanized due to serious injuries sustained over the first four days of the Calgary Stampede. The death toll of the Stampede rodeo and chuckwagon races has now reached 108 animals since 1986, including 77 horses used in the chuckwagon races. Read key media coverage below. Learn more Read and watch to learn more about the animal welfare issues at Canada’s largest rodeo, the Calgary Stampede. Learn more Take the pledge Sign the pledge to not attend inhumane rodeo events and chuckwagon races. Take the pledge Share your vision Share what animal-friendly activities you would love to see in the Stampede’s future. Share your vision Calgary Herald Read now CBC Read now CTV News Calgary Read now City News Calgary Read now
Stampede or slaughter? The ethical dilemma of the rodeo
Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur \ We Animals Media In the leadup to this year’s Calgary Stampede, The Gauntlet writer Josie Simon discussed the evolving public sentiment regarding the use of animals for entertainment such as rodeos. “One of the most controversial aspects of the Stampede is the chuckwagon races. Since 1986, more than 70 horses have died during this event, sparking outrage among animal welfare advocates. While Stampede organizers have implemented various safety measures over the years, critics argue that the inherent risks to the horses are too high for what is essentially an entertainment spectacle.” “A turning point approaches for the Stampede as it considers whether to adapt to changing values or stick with controversial practices. Options include phasing out problematic events, diversifying the attraction with non-animal activities, and partnering with experts to find humane ways to showcase traditional skills.” Read the article and take the #SayNoToRodeo pledge to express your opposition…
The truth about calf roping
What’s the Calgary Stampede rodeo hiding about calf roping? The Calgary Stampede rodeo website doesn’t show calves being roped. Is it because calf roping events (also referred to as tie-down roping) look like this? The reality of calf roping Say no to calf roping When shown photos of calf roping events, a majority of Calgarians (62%) say they would not watch the event. Nationally, 71% of Canadians would also not watch calf roping. Add your name to the growing number of people who oppose calf roping and other inhumane and deadly rodeo events. Take the #SayNoToRodeo pledge! Learn more about calf roping To learn more about calves and the practices used in calf roping, visit the main page of Rodeo Truth.
Should we ban rodeo? A dialogue from Alberta Views
Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur \ We Animals Media As the Calgary Stampede rodeo is once again making headlines nationwide for the animal suffering it causes, Camille Labchuk of Animal Justice argues that we should ban rodeo, calling it “a spectacle of suffering, offering fleeting entertainment yet causing serious fear, trauma and even death to the animals who are goaded into performing.” “At its core rodeo necessitates cruelty and inhumane treatment of the animals who are conscripted into the ‘sport.’ Animals are coerced into running or bucking through fear and often pain.” Read the perspectives on rodeo in the dialogue from Alberta Views, and take the #SayNoToRodeo pledge to express your opposition to these inhumane and outdated events held at the Calgary Stampede each year.
Steer and three horses euthanized at Calgary Stampede rodeo & chuckwagons
Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur \ We Animals Media Four animals were euthanized due to serious injuries sustained during the 2024 Calgary Stampede rodeo and chuckwagon races. The death toll of the Stampede rodeo and chuckwagon races has now reached 109 animals since 1986, including 78 horses used in the chuckwagon races. Read key media coverage below. Learn more Read and watch to learn more about the animal welfare issues at Canada’s largest rodeo, the Calgary Stampede. Learn more Take the pledge Sign the pledge to not attend inhumane rodeo events and chuckwagon races. Take the pledge Share your vision Share what animal-friendly activities you would love to see in the Stampede’s future. Share your vision July 13 coverage Global News Read now July 9 coverage Calgary Herald Read now CBC Read now CTV News Calgary Read now City News Calgary Read now