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.
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.
New footage from the 2024 Armstrong 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
New footage shows stress, suffering, and serious injuries resulting in euthanasia at the 2024 Calgary Stampede rodeo. Take action to end inhumane rodeo events at: vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca/rodeos
Take action
Take the #SayNoToRodeo pledge
The majority of Canadians disagree with the use of animals in calf roping, steer wrestling, bull and bronc riding, and chuckwagon racing. Take the #SayNoToRodeo pledge to reflect your opposition to inhumane rodeo and chuckwagon events. The number of signatures will be referenced in engagement with decision-makers.
Send a message to Calgary Stampede organizers
Send a message to the Calgary Stampede calling for an end to inhumane animal events, which result in near-annual deaths and shocking suffering. Below are some key points you may wish to consider in your message.
Please use your own words and do not copy and paste. Please also remain respectful in your message.
Why you’re writing: Reference the fatal incidents during this year’s steer wrestling event and chuckwagon races.
This is an ongoing animal welfare issue: 109 animals have died since 1986 (when tracking of fatalities began) and animals die almost every year.
Your request: That Stampede organizers remove the rodeo and chuckwagon events from the Stampede and focus instead on the many other activities and attractions that don’t put animals in harm’s way.
Just four days into the Calgary Stampede rodeo and chuckwagon races, two horses used in the chuckwagon races and a steer used in steer wrestling have been sadly euthanized due to serious injuries.
On Friday, July 5th, a horse sustained an injury due to wagon interference during the sixth heat and was euthanized, according to media reports.
On Saturday, July 6th, an outrider horse sustained a serious injury during the second heat of the chuckwagon races and was euthanized. The heat was not aired on Sportsnet, citing an issue on another team where a driver fell out of the wagon.
On Monday, July 8th, a steer sustained a serious injury during a steer wrestling event and was euthanized. In the footage from Sportsnet, a contestant twists the steer’s neck back until the steer falls to the ground, remaining stiff and motionless. Staff rush into the arena with medical kits.
On Saturday, July 13th, a horse suffered a fracture during the eighth heat of the chuckwagon races and was euthanized.
Footage from the Calgary Stampede on July 8, 2024 shows a steer being wrestled to the ground. He sustains a serious injury before staff rush into the arena with medical kits. The Calgary Stampede has confirmed that the steer was euthanized as a result of this injury. Footage: Sportsnet.
Take action
Send a message to Calgary Stampede organizers
Send a message to the Calgary Stampede calling for an end to inhumane animal events, which result in near-annual deaths and shocking suffering. Below are some key points you may wish to consider in your message.
Please use your own words and do not copy and paste. Please also remain respectful in your message.
Why you’re writing: Reference the fatal incidents during the steer wrestling event and during the chuckwagon races.
This is an ongoing animal welfare issue: 100+ animals have died since 1986 (when tracking of fatalities began) and that animals die almost every year.
Your request: That Stampede organizers remove the rodeo and chuckwagon events from the Stampede and focus instead on the many other activities and attractions that don’t put animals in harm’s way.
67% of Canadians are opposed to the use of animals in rodeo. Take the #SayNoToRodeo pledge to reflect your opposition to inhumane rodeo and chuckwagon events. The number of signatures will be referenced in engagement with decision-makers.
With the 2024 rodeo season underway, the VHS is raising concerns about the treatment of animals at recent rodeos in Clinton and Keremeos, including two egregious incidents at the Clinton rodeo.
The incidents have since been reported to the BC SPCA.
The VHS is also speaking out about a new round of government funding awarded to rodeos, including the Clinton rodeo.
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 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.
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.
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
Stress & suffering 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 continues to fund rodeos
This spring, 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 $6,400 for the Clinton rodeo.
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.
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 requested a meeting with the Ministry of Tourism to discuss the matter.
The 2024 Calgary Stampede is underway from July 5-14, and with it comes the controversial rodeo and deadly chuckwagon races that result in animal fatalities nearly every year.
To date, at least 105 animals have died at the Calgary Stampede since tracking began in 1986.
The VHS continues to call on the Calgary Stampede to cut the cruelty and keep the fun.
67% of Canadians are opposed to the use of animals in rodeo. Take the #SayNoToRodeo pledge to reflect your opposition to inhumane rodeo and chuckwagon events.
Follow & share Rodeo Truth
Check out RodeoTruth.com for more information about the rodeo and chuckwagon races at the Calgary Stampede. This public awareness project is a collaboration between the Vancouver Humane Society and concerned Calgarians.
To keep spreading the word about why the Calgary Stampede should buck inhumane animal events, follow Rodeo Truth on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok and share the posts.
Learn more
Near-annual fatalities
Nearly every year, there are animal deaths at the Calgary Stampede. 105 animals have lost their lives at the Stampede since 1986, when the VHS began keeping track. Most deaths occur during the chuckwagon races due to the fast pace and close proximity of the horses and wagons.
Injuries and deaths may also be underreported, as it can take up to 48 hours after an incident for an injury to present.
Screenshot: CBC News
Animal welfare concerns
Many rodeo events rely on the use of fear, stress, and discomfort to make animals flee and buck through tools and methods like spurs, flank straps, and rough handling. This also puts them at unnecessary risk of injury and death.
Animals demonstrate visible signs of stress during rodeo events, including the presence of “eye white” when their eyes roll back, excessive salivation, vocalization, resisting handlers, and 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 rodeo practices were used on farms, they would be illegal.
Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur/We Animals Media
Growing public opposition
Public polling in recent years reflects growing opposition to rodeo:
2022 poll: Removal of the rodeo and chuckwagon events from the Stampede program would have virtually no impact on attendance rates and would bring in new crowds.
2024 poll: More than half of Calgarians oppose government funding being provided to rodeo events. Nationally, almost two thirds of Canadians also oppose such funding being given to rodeos.
The comment period for the “Equine Code of Practice” has now ended. Thank you for helping to ensure animals’ well-being is considered in this consultation.
The National Farm Animal Care Council’s (NFACC) Equine Code of Practice serves as a guideline for the on-farm care and handling of horses raised in Canada, including horses used for rodeos, racing, and slaughter.
The code of practice is up for review for the first time since 2013 and NFACC is seeking public input on what issues to consider when reviewing and updating the code.
The current code allows for aversive handling practices that cause stress and fear to horses.
Note that the code does not include transport, such as the live export of horses for slaughter; it only includes on-farm practices and deciding if individual horses are fit for transport.
Your input needed to identify top welfare issues
Can you take a moment to fill out the short survey and share your top 3 concerns you think NFACC should consider? The deadline to complete the survey is May 16, 2024.
Scroll down to read a few of the top welfare issues you may want to consider.
Share your top 3 priorities in the survey.
Please use your own words (do not copy and paste the wording below) and be respectful and constructive.
Feedback that includes duplicate responses and/or profanity or derogatory language will not be considered by NFACC.
Photo: Canadian Horse Defence Coalition
Top welfare priorities
Aversive handling & training
Prohibit aversive handling, training methods and tools that involve the use of fear, pain or stress to make horses perform an activity or behaviour.
Many modern training practices are still largely based on historical methods that rely heavily on punishment. While horses may appear “calm”, they are often experiencing learned helplessness. This condition occurs when the horse experiences a painful or negative situation repeatedly and is unable to escape or change the outcome. This results in a negative mental state for the horse.
Environment & enrichment
Improve requirements to ensure access to appropriate space, shelter, and dry, clean pen conditions.
This is important in preventing lameness and other health issues.
Improve requirements to ensure opportunities to forage, turnout/free pasture time, and socialize.
This is crucial for reducing stress and stereotypic behaviour.
Health & lameness
Require that pin firing (thermocautery) not be performed.
Pin firing is a painful procedure that involves burning or freezing the skin and tissue of the affected leg. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) opposes the practice as it “is ineffective and is inconsistent with evidence-based medicine”.
