On May 25, a 3-year-old horse named Lizzie’s Rayne sustained a complete fracture of her left hind leg and was euthanized, less than one month into the racing season.
On August 9, a 2-year-old horse named Kiki’s Song of Life sustained a compound fracture in his left front leg during a timed workout and was subsequently euthanized.
On September 6, a 4-year-old horse named Lucky Cowboy suffered a compound fracture to his front leg during a race and was euthanized.
Last year, eleven horses died at B.C.’s two racecourses –eight at Hastingsand 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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Join the VHS in calling on the B.C. government to:
Stop providing public funding to events that include rodeos;
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.
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.
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.
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 agitated, and put at risk of serious injury.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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?
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
Join the VHS in calling on the B.C. government to:
Stop providing public funding to events that include rodeos;
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.
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.
On August 9th 2024, a horse named Kiki’s Song of Life was euthanized after sustaining a compound fracture during a timed workout at Vancouver’s Hastings Racecourse. This incident marks the second known horse death at Hastings since the racing season began in April.
Last year, eleven horses died at B.C.’s two racecourses – eight at Hastings and three at Fraser Downs.
Horses used in the high-pressure racing industry face stress, pain, and risk of injury and death as a result of selective breeding practices, aversive training, high speeds, 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.
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.
Learn more about the deaths of eight horses at Hastings Racecourse in 2023 here.
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.
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 Stampede decision-makers and organizers.
The Vancouver Humane Society’s Stampede report
In a new report sent to Calgary city council, the VHS outlined 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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;
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.
The Calgary Zoo has had polar bears since 1938. Each generation has been confident that the bear’s enclosures were more humane than the past…
This is not the first time that concerns have been raised about the Calgary Zoo’s keeping of polar bears.
Earlier this year, Alberta Views published an article by George Colpitts, an environmental historian at the University of Calgary, outlining the fraught history of the zoo’s polar bear enclosures. The piece explores the pattern of poor welfare and incidents that have plagued the zoo’s polar bear enclosures since they opened in 1938.
Dr. Colpitts expressed skepticism that the new exhibit, opened in December 2023, could fully meet the bears’ needs.
Polar bears and other animals show signs of boredom and stress in zoos
The VHS sent a letter to the editor outlining inherent issues with keeping animals such as polar bears, who have complex social, behavioural, and physiological needs, in captivity for the entertainment of the public.
Read the full response on page 3 of the Alberta Views opinions section, and take action to protect animals from suffering in captivity.
