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Jann Arden, Bryan Adams, Chantal Kreviazuk, Elisha Cuthbert, Brian May and Other Notable Canadians Urge Senate to Pass Bill to Ban Live Horse Export for Slaughter

  • In a letter to the Canadian Senate, 30+ Canadian celebrities, 20+ veterinary and animal welfare experts, and more than a dozen animal advocacy organizations have called for an end to the cruel export of live horses abroad for slaughter.
  • Bill C-355, which would ban the cruel practice, got through the House of Commons but has been stalled in the Senate since May.
  • Recent investigations and Japanese government data show the suffering far exceeds what the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) claims.  
  • While the Senate delays action, horses continue to suffer and die as shipments continue.
  • TAKE ACTION: Use the quick action tool below to send a message to Canadian Senators in your province, urging them to move forward with bill C-355 without further delay.

Join Canadian celebrities, experts and advocates in urging the Senate to stop the deadly delay.

Take the quick action to email Canadian Senators

Use the email template below to send a message to Canadian Senators in your province, calling on them to move forward with bill C-355 without further delay.

Tip: For added impact, edit the template message below to personalize your email.

Note: Click here for individual contact info of Canadian Senators.

Canadian icon and multi-platinum artist Jann Arden, along with a host of celebrity signatories including Bryan Adams, Chantal Kreviazuk, Elisha Cuthbert and Queen’s Brian May have penned a letter imploring Canada’s Senate to move forward with Bill C-355, the Prohibition of the Export of Horses by Air for Slaughter Act. The letter (which can be found here) also has strong support from the Canadian acting community, including stars in shows like Star Trek: Discovery, The Handmaid’s Tale, Workin’ Moms, and Heartland.

More than 20 veterinary and animal welfare experts, and more than a dozen animal advocacy organizations have also signed the letter urging senators to study and pass this lifesaving bill, which was passed by the House of Commons in May.

“Since 2006, tens of thousands of terrified horses have been crammed into shoddy wooden crates and flown 8,000 km to their demise, enduring turbulence, thirst and hunger, and abject fear,” said Jann Arden. “To say this practice is inhumane would be an understatement. Canadians want this to end.”

Bill C-355 was introduced last September by federal MP Tim Louis to end the abhorrent practice of shipping horses from Canada overseas to Japan for slaughter. The Bill is being delayed by a handful of Senators and has seen little progress in the Senate since May. The clock is ticking – if the bill is to become law it must pass before the next federal election.

Tens of thousands of Canadians have called and written to Senators, urging them to study and pass the bill. Yet as the legislation remains in limbo, these shipments continue to be sent overseas for slaughter, with horses enduring gruelling journeys. Most shipments appear to go over the legal limit of 28 hours without food, water, and rest.

Shipments continue despite the revelations uncovered through recent investigations by Animal Justice and Japan-based Life Investigation Agency. Based on Government of Japan records, between June 2023 and May 2024 alone, at least 21 horses exported for slaughter died during transport or in the hours and days shortly thereafter.

More than 50 others were injured or became seriously ill during this time. None of these injuries, illnesses, or deaths were reported to Canadian officials.

Bill C-355 reflects a promise made to Canadians during the last federal election, and enjoys broad public support across the political spectrum. With a pending election expected in 2025, Ms. Arden and the letter’s numerous other signatories are gravely concerned about the Senate’s delay in studying and ultimately passing this crucial legislation.

Back to quick action

Learn more

  • Check out Canadian singer-songwriter Jann Arden’s #HorseShit campaign, which aims to end the practice of live horse export for slaughter. 
  • Get an in-depth look at the horse export and slaughter industry, thanks to the work of the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition (CHDC).
  • Read or listen to and share this episode of The Informed Animal Ally, the VHS’s monthly podcast, featuring guest speaker Sinikka Crosland of the CHDC. 
  • Read and share the op-ed by the VHS and Animal Justice, published in the Daily Hive, to raise awareness about this inhumane industry.

Cover photo: Canadian Horse Defence Coalition

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Stop delaying ban on cruel live horse exports for slaughter

  • It has been three years since the federal government promised to ban the shipping of gentle draft horses overseas for slaughter, an industry that causes unimaginable fear and suffering to these sensitive animals.
  • Bill C-355, which would ban the cruel practice, got through the House of Commons but has been stalled in the Senate since May.
  • Recent investigations and Japanese government data show the suffering far exceeds what the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) claims.  
  • While the Senate delays action, horses continue to suffer and die as shipments continue.

Join animal protection organizations across Canada in urging the Senate to stop the deadly delay.

Take the quick action to email Canadian Senators

Use the email template below to send a message to Canadian Senators in your province, calling on them to move forward with bill C-355 without further delay.

Tip: For added impact, edit the template message below to personalize your email.

Note: Click here for individual contact info of Canadian Senators.

Most Canadians would be surprised to learn that Canada is one of the top exporters of live horses for slaughter. Every year, approximately 3,000-5,000 live draft horses are loaded onto planes, packed tightly with 3-4 horses per crate, and flown on lengthy journeys abroad where they will be slaughtered for meat.

Horses’ journeys to slaughter are long, dangerous and stressful

  • Horses can legally be transported for up to 28 hours without access to food, water or rest, but a recent exposé finds most journeys actually exceed this time limit.
  • As sensitive prey animals with strong fight or flight instincts, horses suffer greatly on long, loud, crowded trips.
  • Deaths and injuries are commonplace, with a recent exposé showing that 21 horses died in 13 months, between May 2023-June 2024. A Canadian Food Inspection Agency representative had previously reported they were only aware of five deaths since 2013.
  • Causes of death included dehydration, serious injuries incurred during flights, and painful miscarriages.

Canadians are calling for change

Recent polling shows just 22% of Canadians support the live horse export industry continuing

The industry has long been opposed by organizations across Canada, including the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition and prominent animal advocates like singer-songwriter Jann Arden.

A federal parliamentary e-petition garnered more than 77,000 public signatures in support of a ban, making it one of the most popular animal-related federal petitions on record.  

Horses continue to suffer due to delay of bill C-355

In December 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau directed the Minister of Agriculture, Marie-Claude Bibeau, to ban the live export of horses for slaughter. Three years later, horses continue to be shipped to their death as a result of delay in passing Bill C-355, which would end the practice of exporting live horses for slaughter.  

Can you help protect horses from suffering through long journeys to slaughter?

Back to quick action

Learn more

  • Check out Canadian singer-songwriter Jann Arden’s #HorseShit campaign, which aims to end the practice of live horse export for slaughter. 
  • Get an in-depth look at the horse export and slaughter industry, thanks to the work of the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition (CHDC).
  • Read or listen to and share this episode of The Informed Animal Ally, the VHS’s monthly podcast, featuring guest speaker Sinikka Crosland of the CHDC. 
  • Read and share the op-ed by the VHS and Animal Justice, published in the Daily Hive, to raise awareness about this inhumane industry.

Cover photo: Canadian Horse Defence Coalition

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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

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

The pattern of regular deaths is not the only threat to horses’ well-being in the racing industry. Horses also suffer stress and pain as a result of aversive training and the use of painful tools like whips and bits to tightly control their movements in these risky, fast-paced events.

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

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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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Rodeo season wraps up with new actions, growing public opposition

Photo: Jordan Rivers \We Animals Media

This summer, the VHS and supporters were hard at work advocating to end the suffering of animals in rodeos.

Calgary Stampede

This 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.

Media coverage of tragic incidents ensures public transparency

The VHS team closely monitored events to ensure these tragic incidents were tracked and shared with media. Stampede organizers only shared information about animal deaths after the VHS’s team and media contacts made inquiries.

The VHS’s Calgary Stampede campaign ran throughout the summer, reaching millions of people through online messaging, billboards across Calgary, and 43 media broadcasts and articles including on Global News, CTV News, CityNews Calgary, and the CBC.

Sharp increase in opposition to rodeo events in Calgary and across Canada

Survey results have since shown a significant increase in public opposition to inhumane rodeo and chuckwagon races and to government funding of these events.

With the shift in public opinion comes an important opportunity for meaningful change. Decision-makers have previously pushed back on calls to end the rodeo and chuckwagon races at the Calgary Stampede, citing public support. The new survey results show that support is rapidly dwindling, marking a turning point for the increasingly controversial animal events.

Calling for action from Calgary City Council

The VHS has delivered a report to Calgary City Council outlining welfare concerns, growing public opposition to rodeo events and chuckwagon races, and a recommendation that the City support removing inhumane events from the Stampede program.

Take action on the Calgary Stampede rodeo

B.C. rodeo season

Here in B.C., the rodeo season once again saw many concerning incidents of animal suffering. The VHS monitored these events, where video footage revealed animals being dragged around the arena by a rope, thrashing in chutes and becoming trapped in unnatural positions, and being agitated through stressful practices like ear pulling.

The VHS submits cruelty reports for inhumane treatment and apparent rule violations

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

In one particularly concerning clip from a rodeo in Clinton, a stressed bull resists handlers’ attempts to move him in the pens next to the arena. The clip goes on to show handlers kicking the bull, twisting his tail and using an electric prod on the animal repeatedly, including prodding the animal on the anus.

The VHS submitted an animal cruelty report in response to the incident, which appears to violate rules around electric prod use. The VHS also submitted a cruelty report regarding harsh handling of horses and inhumane use of electric prods at a rodeo in Coombs this August.

B.C. government continues to fund rodeo events

The B.C. government continues to fund the suffering of animals in rodeo, with more than $680,000 in taxpayer dollars awarded to events that include rodeos this year alone. The VHS is calling for an end to provincial funding of rodeo events and for legal protections to prevent animal suffering in rodeo. You can send a pre-written, editable email to provincial decision-makers using the quick action tool.

Take action on B.C. rodeos
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Report urges Calgary city council to support a rodeo and chuckwagon-free Stampede 

Photos: Jo-Anne McArthur \ We Animals Media

A NEW report from the Vancouver Humane Society highlights:

  • This year’s deadly Calgary Stampede rodeo and chuckwagon races, with four animal fatalities and footage of inhumane handling of animals;
  • Groundbreaking polling that reflects a significant increase in public opposition to rodeo events and government funding;
  • 9600+ signatures on the #SayNoToRodeo pledge, calling for an end to inhumane rodeo events and the deadly chuckwagon races at the Calgary Stampede;

The report recommends that Calgary city council seek the removal of rodeo and chuckwagon events from Stampede program. 

TAKE ACTION: Sign and share the petition and send a message to Calgary city council in support of the VHS’s report and recommendations. 

Contact Calgary city council
Sign & share the #SayNoToRodeo pledge
Read the report

Take action

Send a message to Calgary City Council

Send a message to Calgary’s Mayor & Council in support of the VHS’s new report and recommendations. The report recommends: 

  • Ending inhumane animal events at the Stampede; 
  • Discussing the VHS report at an upcoming public council meeting. 

Below are some key points you may wish to consider in your message. Please use your own words and remain respectful in your message. 

Why you’re writing: Note the VHS’s new report and that you’re writing in support of it.  

What concerns you the most: Consider what happened at this year’s Stampede (four animal deaths); the event’s track record of near-annual deaths; the stress and suffering the animals experience during the events. 

Your request: That city council work with Stampede organizers to remove rodeo events and chuckwagon races and instead prioritize events that don’t cause animal harm.  

For people outside Calgary:

Email Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek

For Calgary residents:

Use the online contact form
Email the Manager, Office of the Councillors

Take the #SayNoToRodeo pledge

Recent polling shows a significant jump in opposition among Calgarians and across Canada to many rodeo events and to government funding of these events. 

Sign and share the #SayNoToRodeo pledge to reflect your opposition to inhumane rodeo and chuckwagon events at the Calgary Stampede. The number of signatures will be referenced in correspondence with decision-makers and Stampede organizers. 

The Vancouver Humane Society’s Stampede report

In a new report sent to Calgary city council, the VHS outlines concerns and recommendations following this year’s deadly Stampede rodeo and chuckwagon events. Below are the key points and recommendations in the report: 

The use of animals in rodeo events presents a significant risk of injury and death, as evidenced by the near-annual animal fatalities at the Calgary Stampede rodeo and chuckwagon races.

  • The 2024 Calgary Stampede rodeo and chuckwagon races were the deadliest since 2019, with four animal fatalities during this year’s 10-day event.
  • Three horses sustained serious and irrecoverable injuries during the chuckwagon races and one steer’s neck was disturbingly snapped during a wrestling event. All four animals were euthanized.
  • Footage from the Calgary Stampede rodeo captures animals being roughly handled and displaying visible signs of stress, including thrashing in the chutes, resisting handlers, open mouth and extended tongue, and exhibiting eye white response.
  • 2024 Research Co. public polling shows that majority of Calgarians oppose calf roping, steer wrestling, bronc riding, and chuckwagon racing.
  • Public polling also shows that 67% of Calgarians oppose government funding of rodeo events.
  • 2022 Research Co. polling of Calgarians also found that removal of the rodeo and chuckwagon events would have virtually no impact on attendance rates and would bring a new crowd to the Calgary Stampede.

Therefore, the VHS recommends that Calgary city council seek the removal of the rodeo and chuckwagon events from the annual Calgary Stampede program.

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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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NEW poll shows significant increase in public opposition to rodeo 

Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur \ We Animals Media

  • New polling shows public opposition to many rodeo events and to government funding of these events has skyrocketed since polling was last conducted in February. 
  • This new polling data comes after the deadliest year for animals at the Calgary Stampede rodeo and chuckwagon races since 2019.  
  • Four animals were killed this year – three horses sustained serious injuries during the chuckwagon races and a steer’s neck was snapped during a steer wrestling event. 
  • TAKE ACTION: Sign & share the #SayNoToRodeo pledge and send a message to Calgary City Council and Stampede organizers calling for the rodeo and chuckwagon races to be removed from the Stampede program. 
Take action
Learn more
Read op-ed

Take action

Take the #SayNoToRodeo pledge

Take the pledge to reflect your opposition to inhumane rodeo and chuckwagon events at the Calgary Stampede. The number of signatures will be referenced in correspondence with decision-makers and organizers.  

Send a message to Calgary City Council & Stampede organizers 

Call on decision-makers and Stampede organizers to remove the inhumane rodeo and deadly chuckwagon races from the Stampede program.

See the “Learn More” section on this page for key points you may wish to consider in your message. Please be sure to use your own words and remain respectful in your message. 

Email Calgary Mayor & Council
Email the Calgary Stampede

Learn more

New poll: significant increase in public opposition to rodeo events and government funding of them 

A new Research Co. poll shows opposition to rodeo and chuckwagon events in Canada increased between February and July. The five events included in the poll were:

  • Calf roping (opposition rose from 60% to 68%)
  • Steer wrestling (61% to 67%)
  • Bull riding (55% to 58%)
  • Bronc riding (55% to 60%)
  • Chuckwagon racing (53% to 59%). 

Local opposition to animal events within Calgary is also growing. Four of the five events were opposed by a majority of Calgarians in the July poll, compared to just one event in February. More than half of people polled in Calgary opposed calf roping, steer wrestling, bronc riding, and chuckwagon racing.   

The new polling also reflected stronger public opposition to the government funding of rodeo events, with Canada-wide opposition rising from 65% in February to 71% in July. In Calgary, opposition jumped significantly from from 51% to 67%.

2024 Calgary Stampede fatalities 

Content warning: The following video depicts a steer’s neck being fatally broken during a steer wrestling rodeo event.

Steer death at the 2024 Calgary Stampede rodeo: behind the scenes view

On July 8, 2024, a steer at the Calgary Stampede rodeo suffered a fatal neck injury during a steer wrestling event. SportsNet footage quickly panned away from the animal, but footage from an audience member shows the full story, with handlers prioritizing hiding the incident from public view rather than the wellbeing of the animal.

The 2024 Calgary Stampede was the deadliest for animals since 2019. This year, four animals were killed during the rodeo and chuckwagon races.

  • Three horses were euthanized after sustaining serious injuries during the chuckwagon races.
  • A steer’s neck was snapped during a steer wrestling event. 

This brings the total number of known animal deaths at the Calgary Stampede to 109 since the VHS began tracking in 1986. 

List of fatalities

Animal suffering at the Calgary Stampede rodeo & chuckwagon races 

Fatalities aren’t the only concern at the Stampede rodeo and chuckwagon races. The reality is that these events rely on the use of fear, stress, and discomfort to make the animals “perform” for public entertainment. Inhumane tools and practices incite fleeing and bucking in these sensitive prey animals.  

Animals demonstrate visible signs of stress during rodeo events, including:

  • the presence of “eye white” when their eyes roll back;
  • excessive drooling;
  • vocalization;
  • resisting handlers;
  • urination; and
  • defecation.

Research demonstrates that calves experience acute stress and negative emotional states when they are chased and roped.    

Many rodeo events contradict industry requirements for the handling of farmed animals, which state that quiet handling techniques must be used, and that abusive handling is unacceptable. If these same rodeo practices were used outside of the rodeo arena, they would be illegal. 

Tell decision-makers to drop the rodeo & chuckwagon races
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UPDATE: Support major changes to protect farmed animals in B.C.

New report recommends major changes to protect farmed animals in B.C. Add your name in support!

Following growing concerns about the state of farmed animal welfare in B.C., a committee tasked with reviewing the province’s farmed animal welfare framework has presented its recommendations to the Ministry of Agriculture. Join the VHS in urging decision-makers to prioritize next steps!

Take action
Learn more

Take action to protect farmed animals

Use the template message below to call on B.C.’s Premier and the Minister of Agriculture to take specific actions that build on these recommendations and to prioritize their implementation to meaningfully protect farmed animals from egregious cruelty and suffering.  

Live outside of Canada? You can email B.C.’s Premier at premier@gov.bc.ca and the Minister of Agriculture at AF.Minister@gov.bc.ca

Agriculture Ministry listening after years of welfare issues

In B.C. alone, near-annual undercover investigations over the last decade have revealed serious and systemic welfare issues within the animal agriculture industry. 

In late 2022, B.C.’s Ministry of Agriculture launched a review of the province’s farmed animal welfare framework. This week, a Ministry advisory committee released a new farmed animal welfare recommendations report that will be considered by the Ministry as part of the review. 

The report’s recommendations include a new government-funded inspection and enforcement function within the Ministry of Agriculture, which would take over responsibility for implementation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act with respect to farmed animals. Other recommendations include providing an annual public report around enforcement activities; an expanded range of enforcement options and penalties; animal welfare and humane handling training improvements; and continued support for the inclusion of farmed animals in emergency planning.  

Learn more about the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture’s farmed animal welfare framework review and the advisory committee’s recommendations report. 

Learn more
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Protect wild, exotic animals in captivity: Petition

Wild, exotic animals suffer in captivity

Zoos and aquariums cannot replicate the size and complexity of a wild animal’s natural habitat. Captive wildlife are also unable to engage in many natural behaviours that are crucial to their physical, social and psychological well-being. Captive exotic animals are often kept in climates that are not suitable for their species.  

According to polling,89% of British Columbians oppose the international trade of exotic animals (wild animals not native to B.C.) to be kept on display in permanent captivity in zoos and aquariums.

By signing the petition, you call on the B.C. government to:

  • Expand the Controlled Alien Species regulation criteria to include animal welfare considerations and update the CAS list to include and prohibit the keeping, breeding and transporting of all exotic species for permanent captivity;
  • Adopt a positive list approach, which allows only those species that meet certain evidence-based suitability criteria to be kept, bred and transported.
  • No longer allow permits to be issued for the keeping, breeding and transporting of exotic animal species, including for zoos and aquariums, film and tv industry, and research and education institutions;
  • Relocate to more appropriate facilities, animals whose physical, psychological and/or social needs are not being adequately met in captivity and/or those who are not appropriate for B.C.’s climate.
  • If no suitable alternatives exist, allow exotic species currently kept in captivity to remain, but prohibit captive breeding of exotic species.
  • Restrict captive breeding of native wildlife, unless it is part of a reintroduction program into the wild.
  • Maintain records for all individual wild and exotic captive animals in facilities, including information related to origin, import/export, breeding, births, deaths, and transport history.
  • Require emergency management plans for all wild and/or exotic animals in captivity.

Call for changes to wild & exotic animal captivity rules in B.C.

VHS has delivered a letter outlining our recommendations and has requested a meeting with the Minister. We will keep Ministry decision-makers updated on the total number of public signatures in support of the campaign.

*The petition form will only accept Canadian postal codes. If you reside outside of Canada, you can send a message directly to the Minister at FLNR.Minister@gov.bc.ca

View the full footage.

Learn more about exotic, wild animal captivity and help raise awareness

Scroll through the infographics below to learn more about the issues facing captive wild animals. Click the images to save and share them on social media, or scroll down the page for key messages to share on Twitter.

Wild, exotic animals have no place in B.C. zoos. I support @vanhumane’s suggested restrictions to animal captivity.
I signed the petition to protect wild, exotic animals from suffering in captivity! Will you join me?
B.C.’s Controlled Alien Species regulation has not been updated since 2009 and is overdue for an update. Sign the petition to call for changes!

B.C.’s outdated regulations

There are loopholes in the law when it comes to keeping exotic animals. While B.C. has regulations related to the possession, transportation and breeding of exotic animals (wild animals not native to B.C.), the “Controlled Alien Species” (CAS) regulation prohibits only species that pose the greatest threat to public health and safety and does not consider animal welfare or a species’ suitability for captivity. This leaves out many exotic species, such as kangaroos and zebras, who are not subject to the CAS regulation.

The international trade of animals also increases the risk of disease spread. One in four emerging diseases is zoonotic; many of the most serious illnesses of our lifetimes have originated in animals, including COVID-19.

In B.C., zoos and aquariums, industries using animals for research, and the TV and film industry can get permits to keep dangerous exotic animals through provincial laws regulating the trade of exotic animals. These Controlled Alien Species permits lead to frequent trade of exotic animals and end up resulting in at best, boredom and repetitive behaviours, and at worst, physical suffering and early death.

The province has not significantly updated the CAS regulation since its passing in 2009 and it is overdue for an update.