The impacts of the use of animals in entertainment is seen most often in their aversion and active resistance to the tools used to force them to perform. Animals also suffer injuries and death. Some spend their entire lives chained.
Petting Zoos
Petting zoos send the wrong message to children about the value of animals. They are an example of businesses using animals in entertainment without regard to their behavioural needs.
Rodeos
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 VHS.
Horse Carriages
VHS is concerned about the prevalence of horse carriages on the increasingly busy streets of Vancouver and around BC, 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.
More initiatives & campaigns
Sled dogs
VHS has campaigned for a ban on sled dog tours and races. Even in B.C., which is the only province to regulate sled dog operations, these dogs are kept tethered for long periods, face undue stress in races and can be shot instead of humanely euthanized.
Animals in circuses
We oppose the use of exotic and wild animals in entertainment. This includes circuses or any kind of Las Vegas-style show that exploits such animals in performances.
Many cities and towns in British Columbia have banned circuses using exotic animals in performances, but most jurisdictions across Canada still allow them. This means animals continue to be caged, chained and forced to perform degrading tricks for human amusement. Trainers use bullhooks, whips, sticks and electric prods to force animals to perform. In addition, they suffer from long hours of close confinement while being hauled in often unventilated trucks from town to town.
Animals in film, television & advertising
VHS believes no wild or exotic animals should be used in film production, except where the animal is being filmed unobtrusively in its natural habitat. The animal rental agencies that supply these industries are largely unregulated, receiving less oversight than zoos. This means animals can be kept in poor conditions where they are deprived of space and natural surroundings. Though their images may be popular with the public, once the cameras are turned off these animals are returned to their cages and lives of misery. The introduction of Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) and animatronics into filmmaking has provided an alternative to the use of captive exotic animals – there is no longer any need to use real animals.
Animals in corporate entertainment
Some captive animal agencies rent out animals for corporate entertainment, birthday parties and so-called “educational” events in malls or community centres. They often claim they are using the animals to teach the public about conservation, but in reality they are exploiting the public’s fascination with exotic animals for profit. When they are not on show the animals are, as usual, languishing in cages.
Latest news
Hastings Racecourse season bookended by animal fatalities as another 2-year-old horse euthanized
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE VANCOUVER, October 22, 2024 – The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) is calling on Vancouverites to choose animal-free entertainment after another horse died at Hastings Racecourse. During a race on October 12th, a 2-year-old horse named Anstruther suffered a compound fracture to her right hind leg and was euthanized, B.C.’s Gaming Policy...
Hastings racing season bookended by horse deaths
Another horse has died after being seriously injured during the final weekend of the racing season at Hastings Racecourse. Her tragic loss was the fourth fatality of this year’s racing season, with the first occurring less than a month after the season began. Take action There were four horse deaths at Hastings in 2024: On...
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