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In Canada it is time for the annual Calgary Stampede. This spectacle is much enjoyed by many but is it cruel? Last year the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge dropped by but little was mentioned about animal cruelty. It was more about who wore what and how exciting the whole affair was. That may be so, but not if you are one of the poor animals literally "roped in to help".
In 2011 standards of animal welfare at the events were said to have been greatly improved. Even so one horse had to be euthanised following a chuck wagon race. The UK has its own cruel events such as the Grand National which once again this year led to the death of too many horses.
Whilst all of these events may provide spectators so inclined with an exciting event, whether or not they remain appropriate in the 21st Century is debatable. The improvements outlined have included a reduction in outriders which accompany chuck wagons and the micro chipping of horses. This, vets claim, will enable them to monitor the health of the animal before, during and after the event.
The VHS, Vancouver Humane Society, still has many concerns though. It raises issues regarding the treatment of calves in the Calgary Stampede and more. Their dedicated website page reads:
The Calgary Stampede – a spectacle of animal abuse
Latest news:
"VHS is publishing a thought-provoking ad in a Calgary newspaper condemning rodeo calf-roping. The ad, appearing in Fast Forward Weekly on Thursday, July 5, highlights the young age of calves used in the event by juxtaposing a photo of a calf and a human baby, underlined by the words: “Just 3 months old – Would you abuse a baby to entertain a crowd?”
Urgent: Please ask the mayor of Calgary to stop cruel calf-roping."
Calf roping was renamed tie down roping some time ago. That may sound better but the end result is the same. The Calgary event attracts tourists and visitors but it now also attracts those who attempt to protect animals from unnecessary suffering. Calf roping remains on of the most cruel events during the Calgary Stamped, claim the VHS.
Check out the link to VHS to read their assessment of calf roping and the fear it will instil in a young calf. It does not take a genius to realise how terrified the creature will be. Whilst at events such as the Calgary Stampede, enthusiasts will claim it is part of their heritage and a reminder of their past, but VHS maintain that is bunkum and that the event is simply a concoted spectacle.
VHS also maintain that rodeos, which have heeded their pleas and dropped spectacles which are cruel to animals, have remained popular. In other words the changes have not cost the organisers in money nor attendance.
If this is the case what point is there in continuing as they are. None it would seem apart from perpetuating animal abuse.
Read also Calgary Stampede young horse slaughter here
Tags: Calgary Stampede cruelty, animal abuse, animal cruelty, animals, Canada, VHS, Vancouver Humane Society
In 2011 standards of animal welfare at the events were said to have been greatly improved. Even so one horse had to be euthanised following a chuck wagon race. The UK has its own cruel events such as the Grand National which once again this year led to the death of too many horses.
Whilst all of these events may provide spectators so inclined with an exciting event, whether or not they remain appropriate in the 21st Century is debatable. The improvements outlined have included a reduction in outriders which accompany chuck wagons and the micro chipping of horses. This, vets claim, will enable them to monitor the health of the animal before, during and after the event.
The VHS, Vancouver Humane Society, still has many concerns though. It raises issues regarding the treatment of calves in the Calgary Stampede and more. Their dedicated website page reads:
The Calgary Stampede – a spectacle of animal abuse
Latest news:
"VHS is publishing a thought-provoking ad in a Calgary newspaper condemning rodeo calf-roping. The ad, appearing in Fast Forward Weekly on Thursday, July 5, highlights the young age of calves used in the event by juxtaposing a photo of a calf and a human baby, underlined by the words: “Just 3 months old – Would you abuse a baby to entertain a crowd?”
Urgent: Please ask the mayor of Calgary to stop cruel calf-roping."
Calf roping was renamed tie down roping some time ago. That may sound better but the end result is the same. The Calgary event attracts tourists and visitors but it now also attracts those who attempt to protect animals from unnecessary suffering. Calf roping remains on of the most cruel events during the Calgary Stamped, claim the VHS.
Check out the link to VHS to read their assessment of calf roping and the fear it will instil in a young calf. It does not take a genius to realise how terrified the creature will be. Whilst at events such as the Calgary Stampede, enthusiasts will claim it is part of their heritage and a reminder of their past, but VHS maintain that is bunkum and that the event is simply a concoted spectacle.
VHS also maintain that rodeos, which have heeded their pleas and dropped spectacles which are cruel to animals, have remained popular. In other words the changes have not cost the organisers in money nor attendance.
If this is the case what point is there in continuing as they are. None it would seem apart from perpetuating animal abuse.
Read also Calgary Stampede young horse slaughter here
Tags: Calgary Stampede cruelty, animal abuse, animal cruelty, animals, Canada, VHS, Vancouver Humane Society
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