New B.C. rodeo footage captures stress and suffering of animals

Photos: Jordan Rivers \ We Animals Media

New We Animals Media footage from the Coombs rodeo on Vancouver Island captures possibly illegal electric prod use on animals and inhumane handling of a fallen horse.
The VHS has reported the concerning incidents to the BC SPCA.
Recent polling reflects growing public opposition to controversial rodeo events. 83% of B.C. residents oppose taxpayer dollars being used to support rodeos.

The VHS continues to call for an end to B.C. government funding of rodeo events and for the province to do more to address the lack of protections for animals in rodeo. Use the quick action tool below to support this call to action.

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Join the VHS in calling on the B.C. government to:

Stop providing public funding to events that include rodeos;
Do more to protect animals from inhumane treatment in rodeo events.

Cruelty allegations at Coombs rodeo

The Vancouver Humane Society filed a cruelty complaint to the BC SPCA about:

Electric prod use: The footage shows repeated use of electric prods on animals. This appears to be in violation of the laws that pertain to animal management, which prohibit repeated prodding of the same animal; electric prod use on animals already in motion to speed them up or on animals unable to move due to physical barriers.
Inhumane handling of a fallen horse: A horse named Ridge Runner is seen crashing into the back fence of a chute during a bucking event. The stressed animal is heard vocalizing as he falls to the ground and remains prone for more than two minutes. Handlers drag the horse by a rope tied to his front legs and a tarp is used to prevent the public from seeing what is happening. Behind the tarp, the horse thrashes on the ground to get up, but with his front legs tied he is unable to. A handler is seen kicking the horse in the head twice. Eventually, the horse is able to get up, but appears unsteady before leaving the arena.

The footage also captures animals being roughly handled and deliberately agitated, including tail twisting, ear pulling, and kicking and slapping.

Visible signs of highly stressed animals are also captured, including horses with flared nostrils, ears pinned back, kicking in the chutes, resisting handlers, and trembling in fear.

Animal welfare concerns raised at Coombs rodeo
Videos from the 2024 Bulls Broncs & Barrels in Coombs, British Columbia show a number of serious welfare concerns, including: – Improper use of electric prods – A horse falling and being kicked in the head – Rough handling and deliberate agitation of animals – Visible signs of stress Footage: Jordan Rivers We Animals Media

Growing public opposition to rodeo & government funding

Recent polling by Research Co. shows that a significant majority of British Columbians oppose various rodeo events and the funding of such events.

77% oppose calf roping;

75% are against steer wrestling;

66% are opposed to bronc and bull riding;

83% are against government funding for rodeos.

B.C. government continues to fund inhumane rodeo events

The VHS remains firmly opposed to using taxpayer dollars to support rodeo events due to ongoing animal welfare concerns and strong public disapproval of animal use in rodeos. Despite these concerns and evidence of welfare issues at rodeos being shared with the Ministry of Tourism, government funding continues to be awarded to rodeo events.

This spring, more than $680,000 in government funding was distributed to events that include rodeos.

Tell decision-makers to protect animals used in rodeos