As the Calgary Stampede returns, advocates renew push to end harmful rodeo events
Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur \ We Animals Media The 2025 Calgary Stampede is set to take place from July 4–13, once again bringing with it the controversial rodeo and chuckwagon races—events long criticized for their impact on animal welfare. These high-risk spectacles have a tragic track record, with animal fatalities occurring nearly every year. Last year marked the deadliest Stampede since 2019, with four animals losing their lives. Three horses died in the chuckwagon races and one steer was euthanized after suffering a broken neck during a wrestling event. At least 109 animals have died in Stampede-related events since tracking of animal fatalities began in 1986. This ongoing toll has fueled growing public concern and calls for change. Polling consistently shows strong and increasing opposition across Canada to the use of animals in rodeo and chuckwagon races, including among Albertans. Take action Call on Stampede officials and government decision-makers to end…
Opposition to rodeo and chuckwagons increases in Calgary, poll shows
Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur \ We Animals Media Take action 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. 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: 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…
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
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