Animals in entertainment

Animals should not suffer for the sake of human amusement.

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Animals are not here for our entertainment.

The use of animals in entertainment—whether in rodeos, racing, events, or tourist attractions—often subjects them to unnatural conditions, stressful training methods, and confinement that fails to meet their physical and psychological needs.

Many animals used in entertainment endure cruel treatment, including the use of stressful and uncomfortable tools.

There are many ways to enjoy community events without subjecting animals to harm. It’s time to move away from exploiting animals for profit and entertainment.

Quick actions for animals in entertainment

Take action to help protect animals used in entertainment! These quick actions take less than 2 minutes to advocate for meaningful change..

Areas of focus

For decades, the Vancouver Humane Society has advocated to stop the suffering of animals used in entertainment, including rodeos, racing, carriage rides, and more. Read about the history of this work and

Horse Carriages

Horse carriages

The VHS is concerned about the prevalence of horse carriages on the increasingly busy streets of Vancouver and around B.C., with carriage rides being offered at a number of local events throughout the year, in addition to regular operations in Stanley Park. VHS has repeatedly written to the government and business associations sponsoring horse carriage rides, highlighting concerns for the welfare and safety of the animals and the public who they share the road with.

Rodeos

Rodeos

The VHS is opposed to rodeo because most events involve the use of fear, stress and pain to make animals perform. VHS has been successful in curtailing rodeos in B.C. The Abbotsford Agrifair rodeo was cancelled in 2016 after a VHS campaign, as was the Luxton Rodeo on Vancouver Island in 2015. In 2007, the Cloverdale Rodeo eliminated four events (calf-roping, steer-wrestling, team-roping and wild cow-milking) after a long campaign by the VHS. Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur/We Animals Media.

Horse racing

Horse racing

Horse racing puts animals at unnecessary risk of injury and death, resulting in multiple animal deaths each year. Horses used in racing also face stressful aversive training techniques from a young age to force them to “perform”. The VHS has been raising awareness about the dangers associated with horse racing by sharing information on fatalities with major news outlets and asking that people not support these inhumane events.

Latest updates

Stay informed on the latest issues affecting animals used for human entertainment. Explore recent updates, actions, blog posts, and media to learn how you can help advocate to stop their suffering.

A close up photo of a horse with a bridle.

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In the media

Follow key moments in the work to end the use of animals in inhumane entertainment events. This timeline highlights major news, developments, and advocacy efforts shaping the conversation on animal welfare.

Past actions for animals in entertainment

Explore past actions for animals in entertainment and the impact they’ve made.