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…
Polling says: The future is rodeo-free
Most Calgarians oppose government funding of rodeo events – Research Co., July 2024 Surveys were conducted in Calgary and across Canada in both February 2024, before the Calgary Stampede, and July 2024, after the Calgary Stampede. The July results revealed a significant increase in Canadian opposition to rodeo events and government funding for these activities. Key findings Most Albertans oppose the use of animals in rodeo – Research Co., August 2023 A survey conducted in August 2023, which looked at public attitudes toward rodeo and other uses of animals across Canada and within each province, found growing opposition to the use of animals in rodeos. Key findings Removing animal events would have virtually no impact on Stampede attendance – Research Co., July 2022 A survey conducted among Calgarians during the 2022 Stampede found that the removal of the rodeo and chuckwagon events from the Calgary Stampede program would have virtually…
Report calls on Calgary city council to endorse a Stampede without rodeo and chuckwagon events
Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur \ We Animals A recent report from the Vancouver Humane Society outlines several key findings: TAKE ACTION: Sign and share the #SayNoToRodeo pledge and send an email in support of the Vancouver Humane Society’s report and recommendations to Calgary city council. 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 report: Evidence for a Calgary Stampede without rodeo and chuckwagon events In a new report sent to Calgary city council, the Vancouver Humane Society outlines concerns and recommendations following this year’s deadly Stampede rodeo and chuckwagon events. Below are the key points and recommendations in the report: The report recommends that Calgary city council seek the removal of the rodeo and chuckwagon events from the annual Calgary Stampede program.
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…
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! 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. Learn more about calf roping To learn more about calves and the practices used in calf roping, visit…