Vancouver, August 8, 2024 — A recent poll conducted by Research Co. from July 23 to July 25, 2024 has revealed a significant increase in Canadian opposition to rodeo events and government funding for these activities.
The poll results find a rising rejection of the inhumane use of animals in entertainment. The percentage of Canadians who are opposed to the use of animals in all five events included on the survey increased between February and July: calf roping (opposition rose from 60% to 68%), steer wrestling (61% to 67%), bull riding (55% to 57%), bronc riding (55% to 59%), and chuckwagon racing (53% to 59%).
Local opposition to animal events within Calgary is also growing. Four of the five events were opposed by a majority of Calgarians in the July survey, compared to just one event in February. More than half of people surveyed in Calgary opposed calf roping, steer wrestling, bronc riding, and chuckwagon racing.
“It’s staggering to see such a significant change in just a few short months,” said Chantelle Archambault, Communications Director for the Vancouver Humane Society (VHS). “It seems that after the animal fatalities at this year’s Calgary Stampede, these risky events are becoming more indefensible to the public.”
The new survey results come just weeks after four animals died at the Calgary Stampede rodeo and chuckwagon races. Three horses used in chuckwagon racing and one steer used in steer wrestling were euthanized after sustaining serious injuries, marking at least 109 animal deaths at the Stampede’s events since the VHS began tracking fatalities in 1986.
The survey also showed stronger opposition to the government funding of rodeo events, with Canada-wide opposition rising from 65% in February to 71% in July. Among Calgarians, disagreement with the government funding of rodeo has risen significantly from 51% to 67%.
These results indicate a notable shift in public opinion towards greater concern for animal welfare and increased skepticism regarding the use of taxpayer funds for these highly controversial animal events. The Vancouver Humane Society is calling for an end to Calgary Stampede’s use of animals for rodeo events and chuckwagon racing.
– ends –
SOURCE Vancouver Humane Society
For more information, contact Chantelle Archambault: 604-416-2903, chantelle@vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca
Related links:
https://vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Factum_VHS_27Jul2024.pdf