Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals Media.
- The 2026 Calgary Stampede is underway from July 3 to 12, bringing with it the return of controversial rodeo events and deadly chuckwagon races that continue to put animals at risk of injury and that result in near-annual animal deaths.
- To date, at least 110 animals have lost their lives at the Calgary Stampede since the VHS began tracking fatalities in 1986 – an astonishing average of one animal death every 3.5 days of competition.
- There are many ways to enjoy the city during Stampede season without supporting rodeo or chuckwagon events. Check out the cruelty-free Stampede events calendar and share it with friends, family, and coworkers.
TAKE ACTION: Sign the #SayNoToRodeo pledge and send a message to decision-makers to call for the removal of inhumane and deadly animal events from the annual Stampede program.
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Rodeos and chuckwagon races are fast-paced, timed events that put animals’ safety at risk.
The chuckwagon races are promoted as the “half-mile of hell” and involve teams of horses attached to wagons that are pulled at high speed, making tight turns, and in close proximity to each other.
Beyond the risk of injury and death, animals used in rodeo events are also subjected to stress and suffering.
Many rodeo activities, including bucking, roping, and wrestling events, use tools and practices like spurs, flank straps, and rough handling to provoke “fight or flight” responses in the animals.
These events rely on the use of fear, stress, and discomfort to make animals flee and buck.
Nearly every year, there are animal deaths at the Calgary Stampede.
At least 110 animals have lost their lives at the Stampede since 1986, when the VHS began keeping track. Most deaths occur during the chuckwagon races due to the fast pace and close proximity of the horses and wagons.
In 2025, a horse named Rider was euthanized after a catastrophic leg injury during a chuckwagon race. The 2024 Stampede was the deadliest since 2019, with 4 animal fatalities during the 10-day event. 3 chuckwagon horses suffered irrecoverable injuries and a steer’s neck was broken during a wrestling event.
Injuries and deaths may also be underreported, as it can take up to 48 hours after an incident for an injury to present.
Public polling in recent years reflects growing opposition to the use of animals in rodeo.
Removal of the rodeo and chuckwagon events from the Stampede program would have virtually no impact on attendance rates and would bring in new crowds.
A majority of Albertans oppose the use of animals in rodeo.
A majority of Calgarians oppose calf roping, steer wrestling, bronc riding, and chuckwagon racing. In addition to this, 67% of Calgarians oppose government funding of rodeo events.
Attend alternative cruelty-free events around Calgary
There are many ways to enjoy the city during Stampede season without supporting rodeo or chuckwagon events. Check out the cruelty-free Stampede events calendar and share it with friends, family, and coworkers.
Join the “Buck the Rodeo” Rally
The Calgary Animal Rights Effort is hosting a peaceful rally to raise awareness about the animal welfare issues at the rodeo and chuckwagon races.
Saturday and Sunday,
July 4 and 5th, 11th and 12th.
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. MDT
Victoria Park / Stampede Station, Calgary
The rally will meet across from the Victoria/Stampede C-Train Station. Signs will be available, and you are welcome to bring your own.