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Another deadly Calgary Stampede comes to close; the calls for change continue  

Image: Sportsnet
  • Rider, a horse who suffered a serious leg injury during the chuckwagon races, was euthanized; another tragic loss in an event that claims the lives of horses nearly every year. 
  • Rider’s death marks 110 known animal fatalities at the Calgary Stampede since 1986, with 79 from the chuckwagon races alone. Last year, three horses and one steer also died during Stampede events. 
  • Beyond the headline tragedies is the routine cruelty of rodeo: fear, stress, and force inflicted on animals for entertainment.  
  • This year’s Stampede footage lays bare a painful truth: for the animals, rodeo is terror, not tradition. It’s time to end the suffering. 

Take action

  1. Use the quick action tool to send a message to government decision-makers, urging them to remove the deadly chuckwagon races and inhumane rodeo events from the Stampede program.
  2. Take the #SayNoToRodeo pledge to reflect your opposition to the use of animals in rodeo events.
Take action
What happened at the 2025 Stampede?

Use the template email below to send a message to Calgary City Council and Alberta decision-makers. If you live in Alberta, the message will also be sent to your MLA.

Take the #SayNoToRodeo pledge to reflect your opposition to the use of animals in rodeo. The number of signatures will be shared by the VHS in engagement with decision-makers. 

Photo: Sportsnet

What happened at 2025 Calgary Stampede?

  • A horse named Rider suffered a fracture to his left-front cannon bone during Heat 8 of the Saturday chuckwagon races and was euthanized.   
  • Clips show the risk of injury to animals, such as a steer who was flipped over and whose neck was repeatedly twisted. Last year, a steer used in steer wrestling was euthanized due to a serious neck injury.
  • Footage also shows people at risk of injury, including children.
  • Animals are hit and roughly handled. In one clip, a handler uses a rope to agitate a bull’s neck while another person behind the scenes calls the bull obscene names.
  • Animals show signs of fear and stress, including widened eyes, tense open mouths, excessive salivation, thrashing in chutes, panicked behaviours, and resisting handlers.

Content warning: The following footage shows a fatal incident and animals showing signs of stress and fear. 

Animals pay the price for “entertainment” at the 2025 Calgary Stampede

The 2025 Stampede once again resulted in the tragic death of a horse used in chuckwagon racing. Footage from this year’s rodeo events also shows the risk of injury to animals and people, the rough handling of animals, and signs of fear and stress.

RodeoTruth.com

Cover photo: Sportsnet

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Horse killed in Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon race

Image: Sportsnet
  • During a Calgary Stampede chuckwagon race on Saturday July 12, a horse named Rider suffered a leg injury and was euthanized.
  • This marks the first animal death of the 2025 Calgary Stampede and brings the total known animal deaths to 110 since the VHS began tracking deaths in 1986. 
  • Animal deaths happen almost every year that Stampede. The 2024 Stampede rodeo and chuckwagon races claimed the lives of four animals. Three horses died in the chuckwagon races and one steer died after their neck was broken during a wrestling event. 

TAKE ACTION: Use the quick action tools to call on government decision-makers to work with organizers to remove these inhumane and deadly animal events from the Stampede program.   

Email decision-makers
Take the pledge
Learn more

Use the template email below to send a message to Calgary City Council and Alberta decision-makers. If you live in Alberta, the message will also be sent to your MLA.

Take the #SayNoToRodeo pledge to reflect your opposition to the use of animals in rodeo. The number of signatures will be shared by the VHS in engagement with decision-makers. 

Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur/We Animals Media

Learn more

The Stampede confirmed that a horse named Rider suffered a fracture to his left-front cannon bone during Heat 8 of the Saturday evening race and was later euthanized. 

Since the VHS began tracking fatalities in 1986, at least 110 animals have died in the Calgary Stampede’s animal events, 79 of which were in chuckwagon racing.

Despite minor changes attempting to improve the safety of the chucks over the years, horses have continued to die at an alarming rate. The VHS points to the fact that these changes, like reducing the number of horses on the track, fail to address the inherent risk factors of the sport: the close proximity of horses and wagons, the extremely fast pace, and the use of thoroughbred horses, who are typically bred for speed rather than skeletal health. 

Public approval of chuckwagon racing continues to fall in the wake of near-annual incidents and a growing awareness about animal well-being. 59% of Canadians and 54% of Calgarians disagree with the use of horses in chuckwagon races, according to a Research Co. poll commissioned by the VHS in July 2024. 

RodeoTruth.com

Cover photo: Sportsnet

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As the 2025 Calgary Stampede begins, calls to end rodeo & chuckwagons grow 

A roped calf lies on the ground at the Calgary Stampede rodeo
Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals Media.
  • The 2025 Calgary Stampede will be held from July 4-13. With it comes the controversial rodeo and deadly chuckwagon races that result in animal fatalities nearly every year. 
  • Last year’s events were the deadliest since 2019, with 4 animal deaths in 2024, bringing the Stampede death toll to at least 109 fatalities since the VHS began tracking in 1986. 
  • Polling shows significant and growing opposition across Canada to the use of animals in rodeo and chuckwagon events, including amongst Albertans.  
  • Polling also shows that 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.

TAKE ACTION: Tell Stampede organizers and government decision-makers to remove these inhumane and deadly animal events from the Stampede program.  

Take the pledge
Email decision-makers
Learn more

Take the #SayNoToRodeo pledge to reflect your opposition to the use of animals in rodeo. The number of signatures will be shared by the VHS in engagement with decision-makers. 

Use the template email below to send a message to Calgary City Council and Alberta decision-makers. If you live in Alberta, the message will also be sent to your MLA.

Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur/We Animals Media

Learn more

Dangerous & stressful for the animals 

Rodeos and chuckwagon events 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 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 during rodeo events. Many rodeo activities, including bucking, roping, and wrestling events, use tools and methods like spurs, flank straps, and rough handling to provoke “fight or flight” responses.

These events rely on the use of fear, stress, and discomfort to make animals flee and buck. 

Near-annual deaths 

Nearly every year, there are animal deaths at the Calgary Stampede. 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. 

At least 109 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. 

Why are the chuckwagon races so dangerous?

Injuries and deaths may also be underreported, as it can take up to 48 hours after an incident for an injury to present.   

Growing public opposition  

Public polling in recent years reflects growing opposition to the use of animals in rodeo:  

  • 2022 poll: 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.  

Cover photo: Jo-Anne McArthur/We Animals Media

RodeoTruth.com
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VHS responds to Calgary Stampede’s new animal care statements

Screenshot: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh via CTV News

  • With the 2025 Calgary Stampede almost a week away, organizers are carefully curating a narrative on improved animal welfare at their controversial and deadly rodeo and chuckwagon races.
  • While minor changes like shaded areas and heart monitors are being promoted as signs of progress, they do little to address the serious, ongoing risks animals face in these events.
  • At least 109 animals have died at the Stampede’s animal events since 1986.
  • The VHS continues to call for a shift away from rodeo and chuckwagon racing.

Read media coverage of the new rules below, share your concerns in the comments, and join VHS in calling for an end to inhumane rodeo events at the Calgary Stampede.

Media coverage
Take the pledge

CTV News Calgary

Calgary Stampede rodeo safety to include shaded pens, heart monitors for horses

Tents are being set up to provide shade for bulls and broncs and some chuckwagon horses are to be fitted with tiny electrocardiograms at the upcoming Calgary Stampede.

“The 10-day celebration of western culture, which runs from July 4-13, has long been a target of animal rights groups. The Vancouver Humane Society wants the rodeo portion of the Stampede eliminated.”

“‘We’re seeing deaths at the Calgary Stampede almost every single year. It’s really not a matter of if another animal will die at the Stampede … it’s when,’ said Chantelle Archambault with the group.”

Read article

CityNews Calgary

Calgary Stampede talks animal care ahead of controversial events

Calgary Stampede officials spoke about animal care on Tuesday and a continued partnership with UCalgary to address the ongoing safety.

“The Vancouver Humane Society says 109 animals have died at the Calgary Stampede since they started keeping track of fatalities in 1986.”

VHS Communications Director Chantelle Archambault shared, “I would really question what is entertaining about seeing animals suffer… These animals are not only facing fear and stress inherently in these events, but a risk to their lives.”

“Last year it did turn out to be the deadliest event since 2019.”

Read article

Take the #SayNoToRodeo pledge to reflect your opposition to the inhumane treatment of animals in rodeo events.  

Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur/We Animals Media

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Include animals in emergency planning (Federal e-petition)

A forest fire from above

  • The Vancouver Humane Society is joining Humane Canada and advocates across Canada in calling for companion animals to be included in emergency planning.
  • More than 60% of Canadian households include a dog or cat, yet there is a lack of pet-inclusive support and accommodations for people evacuating during emergencies such as wildfires.
  • The lack of resources and limited training on animal response adds to confusion and panic in times of emergency, and can lead to people delaying or avoiding seeking safety, risk of death for animals, and added dangers for first responders.
  • A new federal e-petition launched by Humane Canada calls on the Canadian government to include animals in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

TAKE ACTION: Canadian residents can sign the official parliamentary e-petition until October 9, 2025. After you sign, be sure to click the link in the confirmation email so your signature is counted.

You can also use the quick action tool from Humane Canada to send an email to federal decision-makers calling for change.

Sign the petition
Email decision-makers (Humane Canada action)

Ensure no animal is left behind in emergencies

Join the Vancouver Humane Society, Humane Canada, MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, and advocates across Canada in calling to protect animals and teh people who care for them during emergencies.

Sign the federal e-petition on the Parliament of Canada website before October 9, 2025, at 9:06 a.m. PST. 

Important: After you sign the petition, be sure to check your email and click the confirmation link to ensure your signature is counted.  

Sign the petition
Email decision-makers (Humane Canada)
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New data highlights need for veterinary support

  • New polling highlights the impact that the cost of living crisis has on companion animals and their guardians.
  • Data from Gallup, Inc. and PetSmart Charities of Canada shows that half of pet guardians have not brought their pets to the veterinarian for care within the past year or have declined previous recommended care.
  • Demand for the VHS’s McVitie Fund, which offers emergency veterinary support for low-income pet guardians across B.C., has grown significantly over the past five years.

Read the article below by journalist Serah Louis to learn more about how the cost of living crisis is impacting animals and those who care for them.

Soaring costs are forcing some Canadians to limit vet visits or even give up their pets

‘The magnitude of the problem in Canada alone is billions of dollars a year,’ says PetSmart Charities of Canada. Find out more

“Chantelle Archambault, communications director at the Vancouver Humane Society, said its McVitie program, which provides emergency funding for life-saving veterinary care for pets in low-income households across B.C., has ballooned from less than 200 applications in 2020 to about 1,600 in 2024.”

“‘This year, we have already processed more than 900 applications,’ Archambault said in an email, noting more people are struggling to afford veterinary care as the cost of living has gone up.”

“‘Increasingly, applicants … mention that their rent alone is nearly the same as their full monthly income,’ she added. ‘Many applicants report having only $100 to $200 per month left for food for themselves, their pet and other necessities.'”

Read article
Help pets in need
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New report calls for end to horse racing at Vancouver track

  • A new VHS report is urging Vancouver city council to end horse racing at Vancouver’s Hastings Racecourse, citing persistent animal welfare concerns and the long-term decline of the industry.
  • The report comes after the preventable death of a horse at Hastings on June 8th. The horse, Gem Dancer, collapsed, went into distress and died of suspected heat exhaustion after racing during a heat warning.
  • Gem Dancer’s death marks the second known horse fatality at Hastings in 2025 and follows a troubling trend—four horses died at Hastings in 2024, and eight more in 2023.
  • The racing-related fatality rate at Hastings racecourse is markedly higher than the industry average, raising concerns about the potential for more deaths with the 2025 race season underway.

TAKE ACTION: Sign the pledge to not attend horse races and the VHS will update Vancouver city council about the number of pledge signatures.

Take the pledge
Read the report
Welfare concerns

Sign the pledge to not attend horse races and the VHS will update Vancouver city council regarding the number of pledge signatures.

Report: Considerations for the discontinuation of horse racing at Hastings Park

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Key welfare concerns

Horses used in the high-pressure racing industry are subjected to stress, pain, and the risk of injury or death.

These harms result from selective breeding practices, aversive training methods, and the use of painful equipment such as whips, bits, and tongue ties.

Beginning racing or training at a young age poses health risks.

Typically, horses begin racing at around two years of age. Research has shown that initiating high-intensity activities at such a young age is associated with high rates of injury and early decline.

“Retired” horses face an uncertain future.

Most racehorses retire between the ages of four and six. When these horses can no longer be re-homed, used for breeding, or otherwise used to generate profit, they face an uncertain fate and may end up at auction and ultimately be slaughtered.

The racing fatality rate at Hastings is significantly higher than the industry average.

The racing-related fatality rate at Hastings in 2024 was 1.78 per thousand starts. This is markedly higher than the 2024 industry average of 1.11 per thousand starts and almost double the 0.90 fatality rate at tracks regulated by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.

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Double your impact to help pets come home safe

“What you have done for me is a true miracle. No words I can say can express the gratitude I feel. The gift of saving Opi has been the greatest thing to have happened to me.” -Christine, guardian to Opi

Opi received life-saving treatment for an intestinal obstruction thanks to the McVitie Fund.

Each day, the Vancouver Humane Society’s McVitie Fund program is flooded with an ever-increasing number of applications and calls from distressed pet guardians seeking urgent veterinary care funding for their loved companion animals. The people who turn to the McVitie Fund are facing not only the stress, trauma, and uncertainty of a sick or injured animal but also the daily challenges of poverty. Women, Indigenous people, seniors, and individuals living with disabilities are among those most affected by these hardships—and most in need of support.

So far this year, the McVitie Fund has helped more than 400 animals in low-income homes across B.C. receive life-saving veterinary care. By the end of 2025, that number is expected to grow to 900 pets helped.

The McVitie Fund remains the only program in B.C. offering year-round emergency vet care funding at this scale. Every person who applies receives compassionate, trauma-informed support from the VHS team, whether or not they qualify for financial aid.

“Bobo is the only one I spend time with every day. I am very grateful to you for helping him through this difficult time so that he can continue his life.” – Elaine, guardian to Bobo

Bobo received surgery for a life-threatening urinary blockage.

Right now, thanks to a generous anonymous donor, your gift to the McVitie Fund will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. This means right now your gift goes twice as far to help pets make it back home safely to the ones who love them most. As the bond of pets and their guardians is immeasurable, so are the true and lasting impacts of the McVitie Fund and the support of donors like you.

Layla and Mandy’s story

VHS received a touching story and request. Rather than paraphrase it, we wanted to share it with you in Mandy’s own heartfelt words:

“Layla came into my life when I needed her the most. Seven years ago, she was just a tiny, wrinkly puppy with the biggest, most soulful eyes. From the moment I held her, I knew she was special. She isn’t just a pet. She became my lifeline, my safe place, and my reason to keep going.

“She became my lifeline, my safe place, and my reason to keep going.”

Four years ago, I found the strength to leave an abusive relationship, and Layla was the reason I finally left. For years, I endured the pain, telling myself I could handle it. But when I saw the first signs of abuse directed at Layla, I knew I couldn’t let her suffer the way I had. Unlike me, she didn’t have the ability to make that conscious choice so we walked away together, and she has been my rock ever since.

Now Layla is in urgent need of veterinary care due to a rapidly growing mass that has changed in size and color within the past day. The growth has ballooned, with the end of it turning bright pink, and she has become lethargic and not acting like herself, which is deeply concerning. She has always been full of love, enthusiasm, and happiness, but now she is struggling, and I feel helpless.

Unfortunately, financial hardships have left me unable to afford the vet care she urgently needs. I work hard in landscaping, but with the high cost of living, I have exhausted all my options. I have reached out to multiple organizations for help and have been turned away, leaving me with nowhere else to turn.

I am desperately seeking assistance to get Layla the medical attention she needs. I love her deeply, and the thought of losing her because I can’t afford care is unbearable. Any help would mean the world to both of us. Thank you for considering my request.”

VHS funded Layla’s life-saving mass removal surgery.

Can you donate to the McVitie program, to make sure we can say YES to more animals like Layla?

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VHS speaks out on preventable horse death, submits report calling to end racing at Hastings

Screenshot: Hastings Racecourse

  • On Wednesday, June 11, the Vancouver Humane Society learned of the tragic and senseless death of a horse named Gem Dancer, who collapsed and died after a race held during this past weekend’s heat warning.
  • That same day, VHS submitted a report to Vancouver City Council calling for an end to horse racing at Hastings Park when the current Operating Agreement expires in 2026.
  • The report highlights animal welfare concerns and demonstrates that the racecourse conflicts with the City of Vancouver’s goals for public access, sustainability, and economic resilience.

Read media coverage on this devastating incident below, comment on the news articles sharing your support for an end to horse racing at Hastings, and add your voice to the VHS’s call to end this risky and outdated use of animals in our city.

Media coverage
Take the pledge
Read the report

CTV News

Calls to abolish horse racing in East Vancouver after latest animal death

There are calls to abolish horse racing in East Vancouver following another death at the Hastings Racecourse.

“There are calls to abolish horse racing in East Vancouver following another death at the Hastings Racecourse.”

“The racehorse Gem Dancer collapsed and died following an event on Sunday, during a period of elevated temperatures that Environment and Climate Change Canada called an ‘early season heat event.'”

“In a news release, the Vancouver Humane Society suggested the horse died due to heat exhaustion, and called the incident ‘preventable.’ The charitable organization also submitted a report to city council the following day asking officials to end horse racing at the facility when its operating agreement expires next year.”

Read article

Daily Hive

Horse dies during heat event at Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver | News

The Vancouver Humane Society is raising the alarm after a horse died at the Hastings Racecourse during a heat event.

“The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) is sharing information about a death that occurred at the Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver within the last week.”

“VHS confirmed the details in an email from B.C.’s Gaming and Policy Enforcement branch. Emily Pickett, the VHS campaign director, had some strong words in the aftermath of the death.”

“‘This horse was literally run to their own death for the sake of public entertainment,’ she said.”

Read article

Sign the pledge to not attend horse races and the VHS will update Vancouver City Council regarding the number of pledge signatures.

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The VHS joins animal organizations across Canada in hosting animal protection debate

Canada’s All-Party Animal Protection Election Debate 🐾

🎥 Watch the full recording of Canada’s All-Party Animal Protection Election Debate and hear where four major political parties stand on urgent animal protection issues-just in time to help you vote for animals in this federal election 🐾 Moderated by Karman Wong, this debate features: 🔴 Nathaniel Erskine-Smith – Liberal Party 🟢 Elizabeth May – Green Party 🟠 Alistair MacGregor – NDP 🔵 Yves Perron – Bloc Québécois Canada’s animals urgently need a voice in Parliament-and this election, you can help make it happen.

For the second time ever, an all-party animal protection debate shed light on the positions of Canada’s federal parties leading up to the election. The debate was once again hosted by the VHS and other animal organizations across Canada: Animal Justice, SPCA Montreal, BC SPCA, and World Animal Protection.

As parties battled it out on the campaign trail, this debate was crucial in ensuring that animal protection remained on candidates’ radar. It also encouraged stronger commitments from parties on topics such as national animal protection legislation, wildlife, animals used in research, and animals kept in captivity.

The debate was especially key in drawing attention toward farmed animals, a group who suffer greatly on a massive scale. Candidates discussed concerns related to horse exports for slaughter overseas, fur farming, intensive animal agriculture, plant-based policies, international agricultural trade, and antibiotic use on farms.

To see a replay of the debate and understand each party’s position on animal topics leading into the new parliamentary cycle, visit www.animalelectiondebate.ca.

Watch replay