Tag: Animals in entertainment

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VHS responds to Calgary Stampede’s new animal care statements

Screenshot: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh via CTV News

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

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

Media coverage
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CTV News Calgary

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

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

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

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

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CityNews Calgary

Calgary Stampede talks animal care ahead of controversial events

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

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

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

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

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

Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur/We Animals Media

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New report calls for end to horse racing at Vancouver track

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

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

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Welfare concerns

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

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

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Key welfare concerns

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

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

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

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

“Retired” horses face an uncertain future.

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

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

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

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

Screenshot: Hastings Racecourse

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

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

Media coverage
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Read the report

CTV News

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

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

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

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

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

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Daily Hive

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Media Release

VHS report calls for end to horse racing at Vancouver racecourse

VANCOUVER, June 12, 2025 – The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) is doubling down on its call for an end to horse racing at Vancouver’s Hastings racecourse following the preventable death of a horse this past weekend. The horse, Gem Dancer, collapsed and died of suspected heat exhaustion after a June 8th race held during a heat warning. 

The same day the VHS learned of the horse’s senseless death, they submitted a report to Vancouver City Council advocating for an end to horse racing at Hastings Park in 2026, when the current Operating Agreement is set to expire. 

The recommendations in the VHS report, “Considerations for the Discontinuation of Horse Racing at Hastings Park”, depict the long-term decline of the industry—including reduced attendance, revenue, and race days—and its increasing reliance on public subsidies. The report describes persistent animal welfare issues and crumbling infrastructure, which have diminished public support. Given that the 45-acre racecourse provides minimal public benefit—averaging fewer than 9 visitors per acre per day—and conflicts with the City of Vancouver’s goals for public access, sustainability, and economic resilience, the VHS argues that dedicating such a large portion of the park to horse racing is no longer justifiable. 

The report also points to data indicating the sad reality that the racing-related fatality rate at Hastings Racecourse is markedly higher than the industry average. According to the B.C. Gaming & Policy Enforcement Branch, the 2024 fatality rate at Hastings was 1.78 per thousand starts, compared to the 2024 industry average of 1.11 across U.S. and Canadian tracks that report to the Equine Injury Database, and almost double the 0.90 fatality rate at tracks regulated by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA).  

The VHS is urging decision-makers to support a move away from horse racing at Hastings Park and toward alternative land use that offers potential for long-term economic resilience, greater public utilization of space, and alignment with public values and interest. 

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SOURCE Vancouver Humane Society        

For more information, contact Emily Pickett: (604) 416-2901, emily@vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca    

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Media Release

Horse Dies from Suspected Heat Exhaustion After Racing During Vancouver Heat Wave

VANCOUVER, June 11, 2025 – The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) is sounding the alarm following the recent suspected heat-exhausted death of a horse named Gem Dancer at Vancouver’s Hastings racecourse. 

B.C.’s Gaming & Policy Enforcement branch confirmed via email that on June 8, 2025, Gem Dancer began showing signs of distress while being led off the track following the race and soon collapsed. Despite efforts to cool the horse down, and after being in distress for approximately 2 minutes, Gem Dancer became unresponsive and was pronounced dead. 

“This horse was literally run to their own death for the sake of public entertainment,” said VHS Campaign Director, Emily Pickett. “It’s incredibly irresponsible to race horses in the midst of a heat warning. Gem Dancer’s senseless death demonstrates how horses in the racing industry are exploited for profit, pushed beyond their limit and raced to the point of injury and death.”  

Gem Dancer’s death marks the second known horse death at Hastings racecourse this year. On April 13th, just weeks before the start of the 2025 racing season, a 3-year old horse named Wynn Magic suffered a compound leg fracture during a timed workout and was subsequently euthanized.  

The VHS is deeply concerned that the 2025 race season will continue to see more tragic and avoidable injuries and deaths, pointing to the four horse fatalities at Hastings in 2024 and eight in 2023. 

The B.C. Gaming & Policy Enforcement Branch confirmed via email that the racing-related fatality rate at Hastings racecourse in 2024 was 1.78 per thousand starts. This is markedly higher than the 2024 industry average of 1.11 across U.S. and Canadian tracks that report to the Equine Injury Database, and almost double the 0.90 fatality rate at tracks regulated by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA). 

The VHS continues to highlight welfare concerns within the industry. The use of stressful and aversive training methods, reliance on painful tools like whips and bits, and breeding practices that prioritize speed over skeletal strength, have no place in modern society. Even if horses do not die from heat exhaustion or a being euthanized from a broken leg, horses deemed no longer profitable at the end of their short careers may be sent to auction and ultimately slaughtered. 

The organization is urging the public to pledge not to attend horse races and is reiterating calls for decision-makers to invest in alternative community events – ones that bring people together without putting animals at risk. 

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SOURCE Vancouver Humane Society       

For more information, contact Emily Pickett: (604) 416-2901, emily@vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca   

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News/Blog

As the 2025 racing season begins, it’s time to rethink racing at Hastings

As the 2025 horse racing season kicks off at Vancouver’s Hastings racecourse, the VHS is urging the public to rethink attending horse races and is calling on decision-makers to invest in alternative community events that don’t put horses in harm’s way. 

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Horse deaths in racing are commonplace

Just weeks before the start of this year’s season, a 3-year-old horse named Wynn Magic was euthanized after suffering a catastrophic leg injury during a workout at Hastings.

The incident follows a troubling trend—four horses died at Hastings in 2024, and eight more in 2023.

Racing practices cause stress and risk

Beyond the fatalities there are also broader welfare issues in the horse racing industry, including:

  • Harsh training methods and equipment like whips and bits.
  • Breeding practices that prioritize speed rather than skeletal strength.
  • Short careers that mean the industry professionals often cannot afford to care for retired horses, leading to rehoming or auction.
  • Health complications from beginning training or racing at a young age.

Horses typically start racing at just two years old, but research has shown that beginning intense activities like racing at such a young age can significantly increase the risk of injury and lead to early physical decline. In one study, 85% of two-year-old racehorses experienced at least one injury or illness during training or competition. Another study found that only 46% of horses that began racing at age two or three were still racing just two years later. 

Wynn Magic’s death serves as another stark reminder of the need to rethink how animals are used in sport and entertainment.  

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Media release
2024 incidents
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Media Release

Hastings horse death just weeks before start of race season prompts renewed calls for change

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VANCOUVER, April 17, 2025 – The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) is reiterating concerns after learning that a 3-year-old horse was injured and euthanized during a recent timed workout at Vancouver’s Hastings Racecourse. 

On April 13, 2025, a horse named Wynn Magic suffered a compound fracture to the left front leg and was euthanized, B.C.’s Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB), which oversees horse racing in the province, confirmed to the VHS in an email.  

This death comes just weeks before the scheduled start of the 2025 horse racing season at Hastings and follows a controversial 2024 racing season, which resulted in four horse fatalities. In 2023, there were eight horse fatalities at Hastings. The VHS is concerned that the 2025 season will see more tragic and avoidable horse injuries and fatalities.  

“It’s not a matter of if, but when, the next horse will lose their life entertaining a crowd,” said VHS Executive Director, Amy Morris. “That’s why we’re urging the public to rethink attending horse races and calling on decision-makers to invest in alternative community events – ones that bring people together without putting animals at risk.” 

The organization has also raised concerns regarding welfare issues around horse racing, including stressful, aversive training methods, the use of painful tools like whips and bits, the breeding of thoroughbred horses for speed rather than skeletal strength, and the risk of being auctioned off for slaughter for horses who are no longer profitable at the end of their short careers. 

The VHS is encouraging the public to take the organization’s pledge not to attend horse races and instead choose entertainment events free of animal suffering.  

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SOURCE Vancouver Humane Society      

For more information, contact Amy Morris: (604) 993-0167, amy@vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca  

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After banning mobile petting zoos, Port Moody calls for B.C. regulations

Close up of an adult's hand holding a baby turkey while children pet the animal.

Following Port Moody City Council’s vote to ban mobile live animal programs last month, Councillor Kyla Knowles is asking for the province to introduce stronger regulations to protect animals.

Media coverage

Why ban mobile petting zoos?

Mobile petting zoos pose many animal welfare concerns:

  • Transportation to different locations can be an inherently stressful process for many species.
  • The animals used in these zoos are typically transported and kept in undersized cages or units that may also lack other elements they need to engage in important natural behaviours, like appropriate substrate and enrichment items.
  • Animals can develop chronic stress and health issues as a result of disrupted eating, sleeping, and drinking patterns, and from being exposed to unfamiliar sights, sounds, smells and human handling and interactions. 

Port Moody City Council voted to ban mobile live animal programs, such as mobile petting zoos, on January 21st following a presentation by the BC SPCA and statements from the Vancouver Humane Society and several Port Moody residents.

Council Kyla Knowles, who championed last month’s motion, has introduced a new motion to ask for stronger protections across the province.

Tri-Cities Dispatch

Following recent move to ban mobile pettings zoos, Port Moody pushes province for stricter rules – Tri-Cities Dispatch

Florida Fish and Wildlife flickr image / Lisa Thompson photo Port Moody council is now urging the province to step in with stricter regulations on Fresh off of approving a municipal ban of mobile petting zoos, Port Moody council is now urging the province to step in with stricter regulations on related practices.

“On Feb. 25, Coun. Kyla Knowles, who spearheaded the city’s move towards banning mobile petting zoos, introduced an advocacy motion to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) calling on the province to strengthen the rules around mobile live-animal programs. “

“‘Whenever animals are on display or made to perform for recreation, sport or entertainment, they face risks to their physical and psychological well-being,’ Knowles’ motion stated. ‘Meeting an animal’s welfare needs during (the programs) is very difficult, if not impossible, particularly if operators are not trained to recognize and alleviate animal distress or suffering.'”

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Tri-City News

Port Moody councillor seeks provincial regulation of mobile live animal displays like petting zoos

Port Moody council tasked staff in January to create a corporate policy banning mobile live animal programs from operating anywhere in the city.

“Coun. Kyla Knowles said animals on display or made to perform face risks to their physical and psychological well-being.”

“She’s calling upon her fellow councillors to support a resolution to the Union of BC Municipalities calling for provincial regulations as well as updates to current regulations that will give animal welfare equal priority to public safety, along with a prohibition on the import, keeping, breeding and transport of exotic species.”

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Success for animals! Port Moody bans mobile petting zoos

The Vancouver Humane Society, the BC SPCA, and allies in the Lower Mainland are celebrating a big win for animals as Port Moody prohibits mobile petting zoos!

Port Moody City Council voted to prohibit mobile live animal programs, which transport animals for human entertainment, on January 21st.

Media coverage

Why ban mobile petting zoos?

Mobile petting zoos pose many animal welfare concerns:

  • Transportation to different locations can be an inherently stressful process for many species.
  • The animals used in these zoos are typically transported and kept in undersized cages or units that may also lack other elements they need to engage in important natural behaviours, like appropriate substrate and enrichment items.
  • Animals can develop chronic stress and health issues as a result of disrupted eating, sleeping, and drinking patterns, and from being exposed to unfamiliar sights, sounds, smells and human handling and interactions. 

Read or watch more about this win for animals in the articles below!

CBC News

“These events really perpetuate the notion that animals are here for our entertainment, which is certainly not a message we should be teaching children,” Emily Pickett said in an interview televised on CBC News.

Watch video

Tri-City News

Petting zoos and other live animal programs not welcome in Port Moody

Port Moody, B.C., will adopt a corporate policy banning mobile live animal programs from operating on public or private land in the city.

“Thursday, the BC SPCA and VHS lauded Port Moody’s decision.

‘The BC SPCA is thrilled to see local governments like the City of Port Moody make progressive policy decisions to enhance animal welfare in their communities,’ said Nadia Xenakis, the BC SPCA’s wild animal welfare specialist, in a news release.”

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Media Release

National animal protection election debate to take place on April 23rd

A close up photo of a horse with a bridle.

April 16, 2025. For immediate release.

TORONTO—For the second time in Canadian history, federal candidates will square off this Earth Week in a national all-party debate focused on animal protection issues. 

Animal protection emerged as an election issue for the first time in the 2021 federal election, with the main parties making campaign announcements and platform commitments. A 2024 Nanos poll found 43% of Canadians would be more likely to vote for a political party at the upcoming election if they support stronger animal protection laws and policies. 

Debate participants include:

  • Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Liberal candidate in Beaches—East York, Toronto, ON
  • Alistair MacGregor, NDP candidate in Cowichan—Malahat—Langford, BC
  • Elizabeth May, Green candidate in Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC
  • Yves Perron, Bloc Québécois candidate in Berthier-Maskinongé, QC

Jointly hosted by Animal Justice, the Montreal SPCA, the Vancouver Humane Society, BC SPCA and World Animal Protection, the debate will be moderated by former journalist and co-founder of KAPOW Communications, Karman Wong. All parties with a seat in Parliament were invited to participate. The debate will take place in English and French and will be simultaneously translated.

The debate will cover animal protection legislation, zoos, wildlife trade, animal agriculture, plant-based foods, agricultural trade, antimicrobial resistance, animal testing and institutional reform.

Despite strong public concern over the wellbeing of animals, Canada is widely considered to have some of the worst animal protection laws in the western world. A number of animal welfare bills in the last Parliament sought to change this but died when the election was called (eg; Bill S-15 would have banned elephant and great ape captivity, Bill C-355 would have banned the export of live horses to slaughter and Bill C-293 would have addressed top animal-related pandemic drivers like live animal markets and the wildlife trade). 

The animal protection groups hosting the event say these and other animal issues must be part of the legislative agenda in the next Parliament, and this debate aims to give voters the information they need to make an informed decision about how federal parties will improve animal protection laws and policies.

Animal protection is inextricably linked with other major election issues— when you consider the number of animals traded across our national borders, the shift to buying more local food and the urgent need to mitigate climate change and pandemic risk. Animal agriculture is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, and more than 14.5 million farmed birds have been culled in Canada due to avian flu. 

Members of the public are invited to register to watch the debate at www.animalelectiondebate.ca. 

Media are invited to participate and submit questions and are asked to RSVP to Pierre Sadik at psadik@animaljustice.ca   

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