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Donations needed for the VHS Silent Auction!

Calling all animal lovers and business owners! The Vancouver Humane Society is looking for donations for the fall silent auction. Could you donate a gift card for a hotel, spa or exercise class? Are you an artist that would like to share your work for a great cause? Do you own an Airbnb property that you could offer as a getaway to a lucky bidder?

All donors will:

  • Support the Vancouver Humane Society’s work for animals, including meaningful advocacy and life-saving veterinary care.
  • Have their items and business name or personal recognition shared with the VHS’s audience of more than 40,000 people.

The VHS is currently looking for donations of:

  • Gift cards
  • Vacation packages /gift cards for hotel stays
  • Experiences such as exercise classes
  • Plant-based foods and beverages
  • Artwork (new)
  • Clothing / jewellery (new)

Please note: As the Vancouver Humane Society is a vegan organization, only items and services free of animal products can be accepted. Thank you so much for your generosity.

Due to the volume of emails we receive, the VHS events team will only get in touch if we are able to include your item in the auction.

We’d love to hear about your item!

Please complete the donation form below to tell us a little more about the item you’d like to donate:


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Podcast: What it’s like to run a vegan business

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Have you shopped at a vegan business recently?

As consumers, we have the power to make compassionate choices that align with our values. More people are choosing animal-free products and services and helping to reduce the demand for industries that exploit animals. Meanwhile, vegan businesses are on the rise to meet the demand for a kinder, more ethical marketplace.

In this month’s episode of The Informed Animal Ally, Kyla and Audrey from Vegan Supply and Paula from Compassion Ink Studio share perspectives on operating a vegan business.

Vegan Supply

Kyla: Hello, this is Kyla and Audrey from Vegan Supply.

Kyla: My name is Kyla and I am the executive assistant to our lovely owner and founder, Jason Antony. And with me is Audrey.

Audrey: Hi. I’m Audrey. I’m the operations manager here at Vegan Supply, overseeing two physical retail stores, our e-commerce business, as well as the distribution side where we sell to other businesses.

Kyla: Audrey is definitely hands on and can speak a lot about successes, challenges, opportunities within the business. And I can more speak to Jason’s side of things. So Audrey, what have you found to be a success?

Audrey: I think definitely a highlight for me is being able to offer vegan solutions to people who might not otherwise have them.

Whether that’s offering products that they don’t have access to where they’re from, on the e-commerce side of things, where we’re able to ship all over, or even just having unique solutions that somebody coming in our store who never heard of soy curls before, and how can they cook with them and how is that a great substitute for their protein and really being a bridge to get people to think differently and help them in their vegan journey if they’re on one, or even just if they’re vegan curious and want to learn a little bit more.

Kyla: And it is something to be said that with this business, we have the means to get anybody vegan products, literally anywhere in the world, which is a really great thing to be able to do.

Audrey: Absolutely. And also working with bringing really exciting and new innovative products to market.

Some of my favorites from this year that we’ve brought in are Juicy Marbles and Yo Egg.

I think when I first went vegan, I didn’t dream of a world where I had a vegan poached egg that actually had a runny yolk. And today is the day that we are able to access that now as vegans. So it’s incredibly exciting.

And Juicy Marbles is another one where it’s a vegan steak. Some of those things that people say like, “Oh, I could never give this up.” There’s a lot of stuff that people don’t have to give up anymore. And it’s because of brands like this doing really cool things in the food science area.

Kyla: That’s right. Yeah. Bridge the gap. We’re here for it.

With all this great stuff though, there are challenges. So what are a few of the challenges that you’ve noticed within the business or being in this space?

Audrey: Yeah, I think so from the start, you know, we’re a vegan business and our name is Vegan Supply.

And there’s a lot of feelings out there in the world to that word vegan. And I think a challenge is overcoming that perception that we are just for vegans because we sell vegan products exclusively. Yes. But our goal is to have more vegan products available, but that could be somebody who is an omnivore looking to reduce meat in their diet or any kind of area like vegan products can be good in and of themselves of their own merit.

Trying to break that barrier while also still holding true to our values is definitely a challenge. I think we start from a little bit of a disadvantage, but it’s just a challenge for us to overcome.

Kyla: Yeah, that’s right. It’s definitely the bias with the word vegan and it is our very name, but we move forth.

So on that note, what is something that you’re looking forward to in the future? Some cool opportunities coming up.

Audrey: Yeah, well, I’m mostly looking forward to being more collaborative with a lot of different organizations. I think in the last few years, we’ve worked a lot with different sanctuaries or different organizations to shed more light on them or collect donations.

And I think we do better as a whole when we lift each other up. So I’m just looking forward to the different partnerships in the community in the coming years.

Kyla: Definitely. I will just do a quick little plug that a few years ago, Audrey and I created a monthly donation program within Vegan Supply, and we feature two sanctuaries, rescues, anywhere that anybody is honestly helping animals.

We will feature you on our website and in-store and raise funds and allow you to keep doing the important work that you do with animals on that note.

If you’re listening and you haven’t been featured, or you know somebody that you would love to see featured, please let us know. Reach out to info at vegansupply.ca.

Any final notes about the world of business and vegan spaces?

Audrey: That we just need to support vegan businesses. I think there are few of us and you know, it’s a cliche, but we vote with our dollars and when we buy a product, we’re telling those businesses that we want to support them. So I think now more than ever, it’s important to support businesses that align with the values that you have.

Kyla: That’s right. Money talks. So let’s use it for good.

Ink by Paula

Paula: Hey everyone. My name is Paula and I’m a tattoo artist in Burnaby, B.C.

On Instagram, I am @inkbypaula and my tattoo studio name is Compassion Ink Studio.

A little bit about myself. I’ve always been very sensitive person, always been an animal lover. As a child, I loved art class and I loved our family dog or family hamsters and you know, I was that kid, and I still am, like many of us, that person who will pick a worm off the sidewalk to help it across.

In high school, I took home this baby chick that was going to be fed to a snake and ended up rehoming it.

I’ve always been an animal lover, and honestly, it wasn’t until I was an adult that I really started thinking about the impact of my choices on animals.

My partner and I decided to unlearn a lot of the habits that we grew up with, and we started with our diet. A lot of vegans usually start by switching to a plant-based diet.

But we also, beyond our diet, try to divest from animal exploitation. And we know it’s not possible to live a completely harm free life in this society, but we do our best. And I think that’s all we can do.

So when I launched my tattoo business, making it vegan was a no brainer.

People will ask me, you know, what’s a vegan tattoo? What makes it different than a regular tattoo? And, the main difference is that I ensure that every part of the tattoo process is animal-free.

Most tattoo shops nowadays actually use vegan ink, just by default, which is great. But for me, I take it a step further. So for example, the soap I use in my studio will be vegan. The transfer paper that I use is vegan because not all stencil paper is vegan.

My shop doesn’t have leather furniture. I don’t have like animal skulls hanging on the wall or framed dead insects on the wall.

If you’re an animal lover, going to a vegan tattoo artist will sort of ensure, beyond the ink, that your experience is going to be as animal-free as possible.

Another big part of my business is fundraising. I’ve had the privilege of fundraising for animal sanctuaries and fundraising for animal activists and human rights activists as well. It’s really rewarding too be able to offer a service like tattooing that blends art and community and activism, which was really cool.

When I first started tattooing, it actually was the vegan community that really helped me build on my portfolio because the support was there. So as soon as I started tattooing and put out there that I’m a vegan tattoo artist, I had a lot of vegans come and be like, Hey, this is awesome. I want to support you.

I’ve met a lot of incredible people through tattooing. Some tattoo sessions are hours long and we share stories. Being an animal lover is a big part of who I am, so I’m just grateful to be able to share my passions and the things I care about with my clients.

That leads me into the next thing I wanted to bring up, which is, I’ve had people question whether it’s a good idea to bring in my politics and sort of combine it with my business Instagram accounts, you know, posts, not only about tattooing, but posts about the things I care about.

And I think that sure I may lose some clients or followers who don’t align with whatever my stance is. But I also believe that a big part of my success as a vegan business owner comes from me being transparent and sharing what I care about. I think a lot of people nowadays do want to support businesses that align with their worldview.

Despite whatever challenges may also go along with that, I think it’s worth it in the end.

One thing I love with my tattoo business is collaborating with other businesses. So for example, I’ve collaborated with Mila Plant-Based restaurant or Zimt Chocolates. We do this to bring the community together and then donate a portion of proceeds to a cause.

I recently organized a raffle with several vegan businesses to fundraise for two families in need. Collaborating is something I really enjoy. And even collaborating with Vancouver Humane Society to share a little bit about me is such an honour. So thank you for listening and I hope to tattoo you one day.

Next episode

Overhead photo of a variety of vegan plant-based dishes

Please join us next month as we discuss common arguments people use to oppose veganism and ways to respond.

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Tell Canadian government to recognize animals as sentient beings under law (federal e-petition)

Photo: Louise Jorgensen \ We Animals Media.

  • The Vancouver Humane Society and other experts and organizations across Canada are calling on the federal government to recognize animals as sentient beings under the law.
  • Under current Canadian law, animals are not considered sentient beings; they are classified as property.
  • Sentience is the ability to experience feelings and sensations, and is an ethical basis for determining that animals deserve moral and legal consideration.
  • Experts agree there is scientific evidence that all vertebrates and many invertebrates are sentient.
  • If passed, this legislation would help to strengthen legal protections for animal well-being.
Sign petition (Canadian residents)

Can you sign the petition to recognize animals as sentient beings under Canadian law?

Join Elizabeth May, the Vancouver Humane Society, and animal organizations and experts across the country in asking the federal government to recognize animals as sentient beings rather than property.

Sign the federal e-petition on the Parliament of Canada website before November 10, 2024, at 7:26 a.m.

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

Sign petition

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2 incidents in 1 day at Hastings Racecourse

Two incidents within a single day at Hastings Racecourse left one horse named Lucky Cowboy dead and another named Be Sparky injured.

Take action

Last year, eleven horses died at B.C.’s two racecourses – eight at Hastings and three at Fraser Downs.  

Horse racing puts horses’ lives at risk by using animals who are typically overbred for speed, rather than skeletal strength, in extremely fast-paced events. The industry also puts horses through stress and pain as a result of aversive training and the use of painful tools like whips and bits.

The VHS continues to encourage the public to not attend horse races and to take the pledge to reflect their concern for horses.  

Take pledge
In the news
2023 incidents

Take the pledge to say no to horse racing

By taking the pledge today, you will reflect your concern about recent race horse fatalities and incidents and to sign up to receive updates on future actions you can take to help horses.

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Lucky Cowboy the horse euthanized after being injured in Vancouver race

Lucky Cowboy the horse euthanized after being injured in Vancouver race, group says

Animal advocates have renewed calls to boycott horse races after another animal was injured and euthanized at Hastings Racecourse last week.

“Animal advocates have renewed calls to boycott horse races after another animal was injured and euthanized at Hastings Racecourse last week.”

“The Vancouver Humane Society said the four-year-old horse – named Lucky Cowboy – suffered a compound fracture to his front leg during a race on Friday.”

“Another horse named Be Sparky was hurt earlier in the evening and removed from the course, according to the group.”

“‘This is not an isolated incident,’ said Emily Pickett, VHS campaign director, in a statement. ‘Horses like Lucky Cowboy and Be Sparky are paying the ultimate price for human entertainment, and we cannot stand by while horses continue to die.'”

Read the article in CTV News Vancouver and take the pledge not to attend horse races.

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Japanese documents reveal 21 horses died after export from Canada in 13 months

Photo: Canadian Horse Defence Coalition

Japanese documents reveal 21 horses died after export from Canada | CBC News

Newly released access to information documents from the Japanese government show at least 21 horses died during or in the days after being flown from Canada for slaughter in Japan between May 2023 and June 2024. That contradicts information from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

New reports obtained by animal advocacy groups in Japan reveal 21 horses died after export from Canada for slaughter – far more than reports from Canadian regulators indicate.

“Newly released access to information documents from the Japanese government show at least 21 horses died during or in the days after being flown from Canada for slaughter in Japan between May 2023 and June 2024. “

“That contradicts information from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, suggesting serious incidents are not being reported to the regulator. In February, a CFIA representative told a House of Commons committee the agency is aware of only five horse deaths related to air shipments since 2013.”

Read the article

More findings this year

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For the first time, the same shipments of Canadian horses being sent to Japan for slaughter have been documented leaving Canada & landing overseas. Animal Justice is releasing new groundbreaking footage of these harrowing journeys, breaking the 28-hour legal time limit for travel. Take action: https://bit.ly/4bkINJn

This is the second time this year that Canadian regulators have been found underreporting the severity of horse suffering during transport. In June, Animal Justice released an exposé which revealed the gruelling journeys of horses exported from Canada for slaughter regularly exceed legal limits.

Learn more and take action
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Ongoing welfare issues, cruelty complaints, and rising public opposition mark 2024 B.C. rodeo season

  • The 2024 rodeo season in B.C. was especially controversial, with the VHS filing cruelty complaints to the BC SPCA for multiple incidents of inhumane electric prod use and other serious welfare concerns.
  • The B.C. public is increasingly opposed to rodeo, with recent polling showing a strong and growing majority of residents are opposed to the use of animals in rodeo events and to taxpayer dollars being used to support rodeos.
  • The VHS released new footage from two recent rodeos: Armstrong, which received $140,800 in provincial funding, and Merritt, which received $11,100.
  • Footage from all rodeos monitored captured suffering of animals, including rough handling, deliberate agitation of animals, and visible signs of stress.
  • Use the quick action tool to call for an end to government funding of rodeos and for the government to do more to protect animals used in rodeos.
Take action to protect animals
2024 Rodeo Season Footage
NEW polling

Take quick action

Join the VHS in calling on the B.C. government to: 

  1. Stop providing public funding to events that include rodeos; 
  2. Do more to protect animals from inhumane treatment in rodeo events. 

Inhumane handling of animals at the Armstrong rodeo 

  • Footage shows repeated instances of animals being roughly handled in the chutes, including being hit in the face, punched and pushed around in the chutes, and ears and tails being pulled and twisted.
  •  Animals are put at risk of serious injury, including young calves being choked and dragged by the tight rope around their neck.

Stress & suffering at the Merritt rodeo 

  • Footage shows rough and disrespectful handling of animals who resist handlers, including a young calf shoved to the ground by a participant after the calf refuses to stand up; a handler sits on the neck of a visibly stressed steer in a chute; animals who lay down in the chutes are kicked or have their tails pulled and twisted.
  • Animals are put at serious risk of injury, including a bucking horse who falls backward, a stressed steer who runs into the arena fence, and calves who are choked and dragged by the tight rope around their neck.

Stress and suffering at the 2024 Merritt rodeo

New footage from the 2024 Merritt rodeo in British Columbia captures concerning treatment of animals, including rough handling and putting animals at risk of injury. Take action to support an end to inhumane rodeo events at: vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca/rodeos

Serious welfare concerns at the Coombs rodeo 

  • Footage, taken by We Animals, from the Coombs rodeo resulted in the VHS filing a cruelty complaint to the BC SPCA in regards to electric prod use and inhumane handling of a fallen horse.
  • Footage shows repeated use of electric prods on multiple animals. The VHS believes this is in violation of animal protection laws.
  • Another incident involves a horse named Ridge Runner, who falls during a bucking event and remains on the ground for more than two minutes. Handlers drag the horse by a rope tied to his front legs. Later, a handler kicks the horse twice in the head.
  • Footage also captures animals being harshly handled and deliberately agitated, including tail twisting, ear pulling, and kicking and slapping.
  • Close-up footage shows highly stressed animals, including horses with flared nostrils, ears pinned back, kicking in the chutes, resisting handlers, and visibly trembling in fear.

Animal welfare concerns raised at Coombs rodeo

Videos from the 2024 Bulls Broncs & Barrels in Coombs, British Columbia show a number of serious welfare concerns, including: – Improper use of electric prods – A horse falling and being kicked in the head – Rough handling and deliberate agitation of animals – Visible signs of stress Footage: Jordan Rivers We Animals Media

Cruelty allegations at the Clinton rodeo 

  • Footage shows handlers inhumanely attempting to move a visibly stressed bull from one area to another. The bull is dragged and choked by a tightened rope around his neck and an electric prod appears to be used on the animal repeatedly, including on the animal’s anus. This incident was reported to the BC SPCA.
  • Another clip shows an agitated horse being repeatedly struck in the face while in the bucking chute. The horse attempts to back away from the handler, but the handler continues to follow and strike the horse. The handler proceeds to punch the horse in the neck and the horse responds by dangerously rearing up in the chute. This incident was also reported to the BC SPCA.
  • Other clips capture stressed animals being roughly handled, deliberately agitatedand put at risk of serious injury. 

Cruelty allegations at the 2024 Clinton rodeo

New footage from the 2024 Clinton rodeo in British Columbia captures concerning treatment of animals, including rough handling, risk of injury, and stress and fear responses in animals. Take action to support an end to inhumane rodeo events at: vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca/rodeos

Stressed & agitated animals at Keremeos rodeo 

  • Footage shows rough handling, including animals being hit, having their tail pulled and twisted, and being deliberately agitated so they burst out of the chute at high speed. 
  • Several clips show animals being put at risk of injury, including animals falling, being choked and dragged by the rope around their neck, and limbs getting stuck in the chutes. 
  • Other clips capture visibly stressed animals thrashing in the chutes and resisting handlers.  

Stress and suffering at the 2024 Keremeos rodeo

New footage from the 2024 Keremeos rodeo in British Columbia captures concerning treatment of animals, including rough handling, risk of injury, and stress and fear responses in animals. Take action to support an end to inhumane rodeo events at: vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca/rodeos

BC government rodeo funding

In 2024, the B.C. Ministry of Tourism announced a new round of public funding for B.C. events, including rodeos. Through the Ministry’s Fairs, Festivals & Events fund, more than $680,000 was awarded to events that include rodeos, including $11,100 for the Merritt rodeo, $6,400 for the Clinton rodeo, and $140,800 for the Armstrong rodeo, the most provided to any of the B.C. rodeos.  

Last year, the VHS documented animals being roughly handled, deliberately agitated, and exhibiting signs of stress and suffering at several rodeos that received B.C. government funding. Despite sharing this with the Ministry of Tourism, funding continues to be provided to events that include rodeos.

Growing public opposition 

Recent polling by Research Co. shows that a significant majority of British Columbians oppose various rodeo events and the funding of such events.

  • 77% oppose calf roping; 
  • 75% oppose steer wrestling; 
  • 66% oppose bronc and bull riding; 
  • 83% oppose government funding for rodeos. 

The VHS continues to strongly oppose the use of taxpayer dollars to fund rodeo events, citing systemic animal welfare issues and strong public opposition to the use of animals in rodeos. The VHS has written to the B.C. government about the matter and requested a meeting. Use the quick action tool above to support this call for change.

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Coombs rodeo organizers choose not to take accountability for mistreating animals in rodeo

Photo: Jordan Rivers \ We Animals Media

Last week, the Vancouver Humane Society filed a cruelty complaint to the BC SPCA regarding serious welfare issues at a rodeo event in Coombs.

  • In the footage, multiple bulls are repeatedly prodded when they are unable to move freely.
  • Another video shows a horse falling and being kicked in the head to make him stand up.

The Vancouver Island Western Heritage Association (VIWHA), which organizes the rodeo in Coombs, has since responded to the incident. Their response takes no accountability for the mistreatment of animals and attempts to misdirect attention from recurring issues.

Learn more & take action

Read the rodeo’s response in Chek News

Coombs Rodeo reviewing videos of alleged animal abuse

Organizers of the Coombs Rodeo say they’re reviewing videos of two alleged instances of animal abuse at its recent event in August.

Read the article

Rodeo response deflects criticism despite video evidence

The response from organizers fails to take accountability for repeated use of electric prods and other welfare issues throughout the event. While the VIWHA attempts to explain away one incident of prod use on a bull, arguing that the prod use was necessary to prevent the bull from backing up into other animals, the footage shared shows multiple incidents of repeated electric prod use on animals, including:

  • Repeated electric prodding of a bull who is confined in a bucking chute any time the animal attempts to lay down
  • Repeated electric prodding of a bull in an alleyway, with no other animals around him and a closed gate behind him
  • Repeated electric prodding of a bull whose path is blocked by another animal who is backing up into him

Shockingly, rodeo organizers also characterize the kicking of a downed horse in the head (at 03:30 and 03:25 in the video below) as a handler using his cowboy boot to “nudge the horse on the back of its neck”.

Watch the footage:

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Videos from the 2024 Bulls Broncs & Barrels in Coombs, British Columbia show a number of serious welfare concerns, including: – Improper use of electric prods – A horse falling and being kicked in the head – Rough handling and deliberate agitation of animals – Visible signs of stress Footage: Jordan Rivers We Animals Media

Concerning implications for animal welfare

The serious, recurring animal welfare issues seen throughout the event and the dismissive response by organizers have concerning implications. The message shows that inhumane handling is not an outlier, but is expected and accepted. This is not surprising – many rodeo events rely on the fear, stress, and discomfort of animals to “perform” – but it is deeply disappointing.

Rodeo events like this continue to cause animal suffering across British Columbia as the provincial government has put no meaningful plan in place to protect animals used in rodeo. Instead, the Ministry of Tourism funds the operation of many rodeo events, with more than $680,000 going toward events that include rodeos this year.

Can you call on the B.C. government to stop funding rodeos and to take urgent action to protect animals before next year’s rodeo season?

Learn more & take action
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Coombs rodeo under investigation after VHS files cruelty complaint: Media

Photo: Jordan Rivers \ We Animals Media

We Animals Media has released heart-wrenching footage from a recent rodeo in Coombs on Vancouver Island. Videos show the inhumane use of electric prods and handlers tying up and kicking a fallen horse while they hide him behind a tarp. The VHS has filed a cruelty complaint to the BC SPCA for treatment that appears to violate animal protection laws.

Learn more & take action

Parksville Qualicum Beach News

Humane society files animal cruelty complaint over rodeo event in Coombs

Complaint references video that shows repeated use of electric prod on a bull

“The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) has filed a cruelty complaint with the BC SPCA after footage they say reveals electric prod use and other welfare concerns during the recent Bulls, Broncs & Barrels rodeo event in Coombs.”

“The BC SPCA confirmed it received the complaint the morning of Sept. 3 and said it will look into the matter.”

“Vancouver Island Western Heritage Association runs the event and rents the venue from the Coombs Hilliers Recreation & Community Organization (CHRCO). The CHRCO said it will present a copy of the complaint filed to its board of directors for discussion at its next meeting.”

Read the article

Chek News

‘Really concerned’: Coombs Rodeo investigated for animal abuse

The Vancouver Humane Society has released video of alleged illegal electric prodding and a horse’s head being kicked.

“The Coombs Rodeo on Aug. 17 and 18 is now the subject of a BC SPCA investigation after video of alleged abuse was shared with the Vancouver Humane Society.”

“Two specific instances are being investigated: the use of an electric prod on a bull and a horse being kicked in the head after it collapsed.”

“The Vancouver Humane Society says another case of alleged abuse was witnessed at a rodeo in Clinton in May, and it is now calling on the provincial government to stop giving funding to rodeos.”

Read the article
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Heart-wrenching new B.C. rodeo footage captures stress and suffering of animals up close 

Photos: Jordan Rivers \ We Animals Media

  • New We Animals Media footage from the Coombs rodeo on Vancouver Island captures possibly illegal electric prod use on animals and inhumane handling of a fallen horse
  • The VHS has reported the concerning incidents to the BC SPCA. 
  • Recent polling reflects growing public opposition to controversial rodeo events. 83% of B.C. residents oppose taxpayer dollars being used to support rodeos.  

The VHS continues to call for an end to B.C. government funding of rodeo events and for the province to do more to address the lack of protections for animals in rodeo. Use the quick action tool below to support this call to action. 

Take action
Video footage
Learn more

Take quick action

Join the VHS in calling on the B.C. government to: 

  1. Stop providing public funding to events that include rodeos; 
  2. Do more to protect animals from inhumane treatment in rodeo events. 

Cruelty allegations at Coombs rodeo 

The Vancouver Humane Society filed a cruelty complaint to the BC SPCA about:

  • Electric prod use: The footage shows repeated use of electric prods on animals. This appears to be in violation of the laws that pertain to animal management, which prohibit repeated prodding of the same animal; electric prod use on animals already in motion to speed them up or on animals unable to move due to physical barriers.  
  • Inhumane handling of a fallen horse: A horse named Ridge Runner is seen crashing into the back fence of a chute during a bucking event. The stressed animal is heard vocalizing as he falls to the ground and remains prone for more than two minutes. Handlers drag the horse by a rope tied to his front legs and a tarp is used to prevent the public from seeing what is happening. Behind the tarp, the horse thrashes on the ground to get up, but with his front legs tied he is unable to. A handler is seen kicking the horse in the head twice. Eventually, the horse is able to get up, but appears unsteady before leaving the arena.  

The footage also captures animals being roughly handled and deliberately agitated, including tail twisting, ear pulling, and kicking and slapping.

Visible signs of highly stressed animals are also captured, including horses with flared nostrils, ears pinned back, kicking in the chutes, resisting handlers, and trembling in fear

Animal welfare concerns raised at Coombs rodeo

Videos from the 2024 Bulls Broncs & Barrels in Coombs, British Columbia show a number of serious welfare concerns, including: – Improper use of electric prods – A horse falling and being kicked in the head – Rough handling and deliberate agitation of animals – Visible signs of stress Footage: Jordan Rivers We Animals Media

Growing public opposition to rodeo & government funding 

Recent polling by Research Co. shows that a significant majority of British Columbians oppose various rodeo events and the funding of such events.

  • 77% oppose calf roping; 
  • 75% are against steer wrestling; 
  • 66% are opposed to bronc and bull riding; 
  • 83% are against government funding for rodeos. 

B.C. government continues to fund inhumane rodeo events 

The VHS remains firmly opposed to using taxpayer dollars to support rodeo events due to ongoing animal welfare concerns and strong public disapproval of animal use in rodeos. Despite these concerns and evidence of welfare issues at rodeos being shared with the Ministry of Tourism, government funding continues to be awarded to rodeo events. 

This spring, more than $680,000 in government funding was distributed to events that include rodeos. 

Tell decision-makers to protect animals used in rodeos