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 deaths are mostly a result of:
- Injuries – The horses used in the chuckwagon races are thoroughbred horses, who are bred for speed, rather than skeletal strength. This increases the risk of leg injuries and euthanasia.
- Crashes – Due to the high speed of the race and close proximity of the horses and wagons, one horse falling or becoming injured may result in a crash and injuries for the entire team of horses.
- Heart attacks – Several deaths have occurred over the years as a result of heart attacks.
Why is there such a high risk of injuries?
Rodeo events and chuckwagon races are fast-paced, timed events that place the animals at a high risk of injury which may require euthanasia, such as:
- Broken legs
- Neck injuries
- Internal events like heart attacks
Take action for animals used in the Calgary Stampede rodeo & chuckwagon races
Share
Take the #SayNoToRodeo Pledge
61% of Canadians are opposed to the use of animals in rodeo. Take the #SayNoToRodeo pledge to reflect your opposition to the inhumane treatment of animals in rodeo events.
