Animal abuse and rodeos

Winnipeg Free Press

19-07-2025

Opinion
Rodeo season is upon us, and last week the nation's attention was focused on the Calgary Stampede.
It didn't take long for animal welfare concerns to rise to the forefront, starting with the collapse of a horse during the opening Stampede Parade, and ending with the death of Rider, a horse participating in the chuckwagon races. Calgary Stampede CEO Joel Cowley called it 'an unfortunate incident.'
The Vancouver Humane Society has been collecting statistics on animal deaths at the Calgary Stampede since 1986. The total is 110, with 2024 being one of the deadliest rodeos in Stampede history.
Last year, four animals died: a steer used in steer wrestling and three horses used in chuckwagon racing.
Chuckwagon racing is one of the deadliest rodeo events for horses, pushing them beyond their limits at tight speeds in tight spaces. This leads to tragic outcomes such as broken legs, heart failure, and fatal collisions.
Other rodeo events, such as bronc/bull riding, animal scrambles, team roping, and wild horse/pony races, are also outdated and cruel modes of using animals as entertainment, as they cause significant mental and physical distress to the animals involved. Stock animals like calves and steers used in these events are often roped, chased, roughly handled, and extensively practised on even before entering a rodeo event.
Negative reinforcement training methods such as electric shocks and flank straps are commonly used to train animals such as bulls to buck as violently as possible, with no reprieve until the desired behaviour is attained. The physical pain and immense fear that many animals experience in these events does not justify the entertainment value of the spectacle.
While the Calgary Stampede may be the most nationally visible example of the unnecessary and cruel exploitation of animals for rodeo entertainment purposes, Manitoba has its own rodeo circuit.
In addition to annual events in Morris and Selkirk, the Heartland Rodeo Association also travels to towns throughout Manitoba over the summer months.
Event organizers and supporters often make the case for these rodeo events as supporting rural roots and traditions, citing concerns are raised by a largely urban population that doesn't understand rural life and values.
Their position is that events such as animal scrambles, where youth chase animals around a loud crowded arena in an attempt to remove a halter from the animal's neck, provide an educational opportunity for urban dwellers on the day-to-day nature of farm life.
However, this approach shows little regard for the physical and mental distress suffered by the animals involved.
Framing the issue as simply a difference in values between urban and rural is a red herring.
Whether one lives on a farm or in a condo, the majority of people do not want to see harm come to an animal.
In fact, most Manitobans would agree that compassion and empathy for all living beings are not rural or urban considerations; they're human values.
As we grow in our understanding of animals, many people are choosing to support events that celebrate them with care and compassion.
In 2022, polling showed that 67 per cent of Canadians were against using animals in rodeos, with this number growing as public education on rodeos becomes more readily available. Moving away from rodeo events that cause mental and physical distress and suffering gives us the chance to create new traditions that honour animals without causing them stress or harm. By embracing humane alternatives, we can enjoy meaningful experiences that reflect our values of empathy and respect.
Many agricultural fairs and events throughout the province have family friendly activities that do not harm animals or cause them distress.
The midway, carnival games, vendor markets, mud bogging, tractor and machinery displays, live music, strongman competitions, bouncy castles, dog agility and flying disc displays, face painting, chainsaw carving, clowns, and parades are all more humane alternatives.
It's time to move toward rodeo traditions that honour animals rather than placing them at risk.
Krista Boryskavich is the director of animal advocacy and legal and government affairs at the Winnipeg Humane Society.