Help end rodeo cruelty

The VHS is committed to ending rodeo cruelty with the support of compassionate individuals like you.  

While the spectacle of rodeos is often marketed as harmless “family fun”, the truth is far darker. Research shows that animals experience acute stress, fear and discomfort during rodeo events such as bull riding, steer wrestling, and calf roping. They are forced into dangerous situations that put them at inherent risk of serious injury and death.

The Calgary Stampede, is just around the corner. Once again, it will put hundreds of animals at risk in the name of so-called “entertainment.” Last year’s Calgary Stampede rodeo and chuckwagon races were the deadliest of the past five years, resulting in the deaths of four animals: three horses used in chuckwagon racing and a cow used in steer wrestling.

The 2024 rodeo season in B.C. was also especially controversial, with the VHS filing cruelty complaints for multiple incidents of inhumane electric prod use and other serious welfare concerns. Despite widespread public opposition, the B.C. government awarded more than $680,000 to events that include rodeos last year. Meanwhile, there is no funding for enforcing animal welfare laws, leading to countless instances of cruelty going unchecked.  

This is injustice we cannot ignore, and it is why, with your support, the VHS has been working tirelessly to end the cruelty for many years.

With your support, the VHS will continue to educate the public about the cruel realities of rodeos, advocating for stronger animal protection laws, and pushing for the eventual abolition of these harmful events. Your donation today will directly support our efforts to advocate for an end to inhumane rodeo events through:  

• Raising public awareness about rodeo cruelty, including encouraging individuals to sign the VHS’s #SayNoToRodeo pledge.  
• Calling on decision-makers and Stampede organizers to remove the inhumane rodeo events and deadly chuckwagon races from the Stampede program.  
• Running billboards in Calgary encouraging people to think twice about attending rodeo events at the Calgary Stampede.  
• Monitoring and documenting animal treatment at rodeo events in B.C. and beyond to hold event organizers accountable and sharing footage with the media and decision-makers.  
• Enabling the VHS to continue working closely together with other likeminded organizations and advocates in the community.

Thank you so much for your kindness and dedication.