Target: Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Alberta
Goal: End the brutal practice of chuckwagon racing and rodeo events that lead to severe animal injuries and deaths.
The Calgary Stampede’s chuckwagon races have again come under scrutiny after a recent incident left a horse seriously injured when two chuckwagons collided during the Rangeland Derby. This shocking event occurred in front of Prime Minister Mark Carney, highlighting the disturbing reality of animal suffering within these races. Reports indicate that while the horse received emergency treatment, the severity of the injury raises concerns about potential euthanasia—a fate that has befallen many horses who suffer similar injuries in these events.
In addition to this latest incident, the safety of horses at the Calgary Stampede remains deeply questionable. Data from the Vancouver Humane Society reveals that at least 110 animals have died at the Stampede since 1986, with 79 of those deaths linked directly to chuckwagon races. Just last year, a horse named Rider was tragically killed after suffering a catastrophic injury. Furthermore, brutal treatment of these animals, such as the recent report of a rodeo worker striking a horse, continues to plague the events, despite calls for action from organizations like Animal Justice.
Demanding an end to chuckwagon racing and rodeo events is not just about acknowledging the inherent dangers; it is a necessary step toward protecting animals from fear, pain, and distress. The recent changes to Alberta’s Animal Protection Act have shielded these cruel practices from accountability, further exacerbating the ongoing cycle of abuse and neglect. It is time to change the narrative and act decisively to protect these innocent creatures from suffering in the name of entertainment.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister of Agriculture and Forestry,
The incident during the Calgary Stampede’s chuckwagon race, which resulted in a horse suffering a serious injury from a collision, exemplifies the urgent need for change in how we treat animals in rodeo events. With the ongoing reports of injuries and the alarming number of animal deaths over the years—110 reported since 1986—it’s clear that chuckwagon racing subjects horses to unnecessary and extreme danger. The rising frequency of these incidents, coupled with recent reports of abusive treatment, paints a grim picture that cannot be ignored.
It is further troubling that the Alberta government has opted to change the Animal Protection Act in a way that allows rodeo and chuckwagon racing to escape scrutiny from standard animal welfare laws. Allowing “generally accepted practices” to exempt these activities from legal accountability gives a free pass to cruelty. As recent events have shown, no amount of safety measures can eliminate the inherent dangers tied to harnessing horses in high-speed races around tight turns and close proximity to one another.
In light of these issues, it is crucial to demand an end to chuckwagon racing and rodeo events in Alberta. Protecting animals from physical and emotional suffering should be a priority. Therefore, I urge you to take immediate action to abolish practices that endanger and harm these animals for the sake of entertainment.
Sincerely,
Your Name Here
Photo credit: Resolute
