Rights group organizing petition following Stampede
Ignorance may be bliss but it is unacceptable for the city to blindly support the “barbaric” calf-roping event at the Stampede, according to a local protest group.
Animal rights activists gathered outside the Calgary Stampede to protest what they call the exploitation of animals used in the rodeo.
“We’re not trying to shut down the Stampede. We know the people enjoy it and it brings the city a lot of money,” protestor Heather Anderson told Metro. “But we want to see an end to the animal cruelty.”
Ideally, Anderson and other animal activists would like to see a Calgary Stampede without the rodeo, but are setting their sights on an end to the tie-down roping event.
“The whole rodeo isn’t good for the animals, but the most barbaric and cruel event is the calf-roping. Who would want to bring their kids to see those poor little things getting hurt?”
The Calgary Animal Rights Meet up Group is organizing a petition in favour of banning the tie-down roping at the Calgary Stampede.
Calgary Stampede spokes-person Doug Fraser said the animals are treated not only properly, but like one of the family.
“We have always treated our animals very well, like rock stars, and we will continue to keep treating them well,” he told Metro.
One horse was euthanized this week after two rigs collided during the Rangeland Derby chuckwagon races.
