Proposed rodeo facing pushback from B.C. SPCA, Vancouver Humane Society
The B.C. SPCA is speaking out against a new rodeo event proposed in the Lower Mainland, arguing it would mark a "major step back for animal welfare" if allowed to proceed as planned.
The event is being organized by the Valley West Stampede Society, and would be held in Langley Township over the Labour Day long weekend, according to the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association website.
According to the SPCA, the "most dangerous" rodeo events aren't part of the proposed program, but there are still a number of performances that can cause pain and distress to animals. Those include saddle bronc, bareback riding and bull riding, all bucking events in which a rider attempts to stay on a bucking horse or bull for eight seconds.
"To encourage the horse or bull to buck, a flank strap is wrapped around the hindquarters of the animal, applying pressure to their sensitive underbelly," SPCA farm animal welfare manager Melissa Speirs said in a statement.
Since more vigorous bucking increases the scoring potential, riders may also "incite bucking by digging their metal boot spurs into the animal," Speirs added.
The SPCA argued cattle ranching and horse riding skills can be showcased in ways that don't cause fear, anxiety or pain to animals.
"We know that everyone is eager to reconnect with their communities after the past two years, but we encourage people to only take part in community events that do not put animals at risk," Speirs said.
"There are many wonderful family events, including those with an agricultural focus, taking place in our province this summer. The rodeo doesn’t need to be one of them."
The Vancouver Humane Society has also slammed the proposed event, pointing to an April 2022 poll that found 64 per cent of British Columbians are opposed to using animals in rodeos.
Speaking to CTV News, the CPRA disputed that animals are harmed at bucking events, and pointed to a study from the University of Calgary that sought to understand horses' experiences during those performances.
That study, published last year, found horses less likely to demonstrate "balking or vigorous behaviour" while waiting to be let into an arena if they had participated in previous rodeos.
"The results of the role of experience and potential performance-related anticipatory behaviours is likely indicative of horses’ habituation to rodeo versus learned helplessness," according to the study's abstract.
The CPRA declined to comment directly, but pointed to a statement on animal welfare posted on the association's website.
"The membership of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association is comprised of some 1,400 people who own large numbers of livestock," it reads.
"Most have more than a monetary tie to animals. Nearly all have lived and worked around animals for most of their lives, and possess a high degree of respect and appreciation for livestock."
The planned event would be taking place in the absence of the Cloverdale Rodeo in Surrey, which was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, and again in 2022 to make necessary repairs at the venue.
Organizers have already announced that event will return in May 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Western University researchers unlock potential 'cure' for ALS
New research out of London, Ont.'s Western University is shedding light on a potential cure for ALS, in which the targeting of the interaction between two proteins can halt or fully reverse the disease's progression.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
Kamala Harris drops F-bomb during White House live-stream
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris used a profanity on Monday while offering advice to young Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders about how to break through barriers.
B.C. man fighting for refund after finding someone living at Whistler vacation rental
Edwin Mostered spent thousands of dollars booking a vacation home in Whistler, B.C., for a group skiing trip earlier this year – or so he thought.
Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended at least six months
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
Collapsed Baltimore bridge span comes down with a boom after crews set off chain of explosives
Crews conducted a controlled demolition Monday to break down the largest remaining span of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
Security video caught admitted serial killer disposing of bodies in Winnipeg garbage bins
Security video caught admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki on multiple late-night outings, disposing of body parts in nearby garbage bins and dumpsters in the middle of the night.
Mortgage companies could intensify the next recession, U.S. officials warn
U.S. officials worry the next recession could be intensified by a cascading series of failures in the mortgage industry caused by crashing home prices, frozen financial markets and soaring delinquencies.