Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur \ We Animals Media
- Recent polling reveals a significant surge in public opposition to various rodeo events and the use of government funds to support these events, both among Calgarians and nationwide, compared to results from February.
- This shift follows the deadliest year for animals at the Calgary Stampede rodeo and chuckwagon races since 2019.
- In 2024, four animals were killed—three horses suffered fatal injuries during the chuckwagon races, and a steer’s neck was broken during a steer wrestling event.
Take action
Take the #SayNoToRodeo Pledge
Express your opposition to the inhumane rodeo and chuckwagon events at the Calgary Stampede by signing the pledge. The total number of signatures will be included in communications with Stampede organizers and decision-makers.
Reach Out to Calgary City Council & Stampede Organizers
Urge decision-makers and Stampede organizers to eliminate the inhumane rodeo and dangerous chuckwagon races from the Stampede program.
Refer to the “Learn More” section on this page for important points to include in your message. Remember to use your own words and be respectful.
New poll: Public opposition to rodeo events and government funding surges
A recent Research Co. poll indicates a rise in opposition to rodeo and chuckwagon events in Calgary between February and July. The poll covered five events. Most Calgarians were opposed to four out of five events in July, compared to just one in February. It showed the following increases in opposition:
- Calf roping: Opposition increased from 47% to 58%
- Steer wrestling: Opposition increased from 49% to 57%
- Chuckwagon racing: Opposition increased from 46% to 54%
Likewise, opposition nationwide is on the rise. Opposition increased from February to July in all five events included in the poll. The results showed most Canadians are opposed to all five events.
The poll also shows a significant increase in opposition to government funding of rodeo events, with Calgary opposition significantly increasing from 51% in February to 67% in July. Nationwide opposition to government funding of rodeo events increased from 65% to 71%.
Deaths at the 2024 Calgary Stampede
Content warning: The video below shows a steer’s neck being fatally broken during a steer wrestling rodeo event.
The 2024 Calgary Stampede was the deadliest for animals since 2019, with four animals losing their lives during the rodeo and chuckwagon races.
- Three horses were euthanized due to severe injuries sustained during the chuckwagon races.
- A steer’s neck was broken during a steer wrestling event.
This brings the total number of documented animal deaths at the Calgary Stampede to 109 since 1986.
Animal Suffering at the Calgary Stampede Rodeo & Chuckwagon Races
Fatalities are not the only issue at the Stampede rodeo and chuckwagon races. These events exploit fear, stress, and discomfort to force animals to “perform” for entertainment. Inhumane tools and methods provoke fleeing and bucking in these sensitive prey animals.
Visible signs of stress in animals during rodeo events include:
- The appearance of “eye white” when their eyes roll back
- Excessive drooling
- Vocalization
- Resistance to handlers
- Urination
- Defecation
