It’s about this time of the year when people start asking more questions about animal care. It’s likely prompted by the media and social media campaigns of a few people. Most days folks are concerned about families, jobs, health care or the economy. But controversial headlines and provocative posts mentioning Calgary Stampede and animals, arouse curiosity to see who’s upset and why. Trouble is, the issue of humans’ relationships with animals is very complex, and in our 140 character Twitter world things tend to get shortened into an emotional sound bite without the benefit of the complete facts and background.
And to have a full understanding of the issues you need to move beyond the sound bite and don’t let your opinion get swayed by animal activists who may be just as interested in the fundraising possibilities that a campaign of this nature offers.
Accusations of abuse will soon start to fly from those with little to no understanding of large working animals and the specialized care and handling skills required to ensure these animals are cared for properly. They might not have an appreciation for the positive working relationships the Calgary Stampede has with recognized animal care specialists like the Calgary Humane Society and the Alberta SPCA. By the way – there is quite a bit of confusion in North America surrounding the use of the words humane society – in fact, the term ‘humane confusion’ has been created to describe it. Many animal rights and lobby organizations use the words humane society even though they don’t offer any local animal welfare services and programs. There’s lots of information online if you’re interested in learning more.
We can all agree that there are divergent viewpoints on the participation of animals in exhibition, competition and education events; just as there are divergent opinions on the use of animals for food or consumer products. Just like some people choose to eat steaks some don’t. And each divergent group has varying levels of tolerance for others’ opinions.
The Calgary Stampede has always demonstrated respect for the views of others. It’s our belief that truth, dialogue and cooperation are a better path to explore diverging viewpoints than misinformation, direct action and confrontation.
Over the next week or so, we’ll be posting some of our thoughts to continue the dialogue and discussion.
Oh and if you stumble across this post in December , long after the July Stampede has come and gone, we’ll still be practicing strong animal care on our ranch and on Stampede Park.
Paul
Dear Sir:
We need to have a lot more discussion regarding calf roping and steer wrestling. These so-called “sports” are cruel and of no entertainment value. In my way of thinking a “sport” involves participants of relatively equal ability and strength. How do you justify a large man on a horse chasing down a calf as sport?
It is time to stop this travesty. The Stampede Board needs to step up to the plate and do the right thing.
And whose idea is it that CTV news does not televise the exact second when the calf is jerked backwards off its feet? If the public doesn’t see it…does that mean it didn’t happen? If you are so proud of the event, why not show it in its entirety. Perhaps it’s not very palatable after all.
I hope I live long enough to see this horrible exhibition of animal cruelty abolished. This is the 21st century!! Ban calf roping and steer wrestling.
i think and know that the rodeo people and the chuckwagon runners and crews 99% all horse owners and cattle whom are involved in any kinda of rodeo sport, exceptionally well take care of their animals, we have people in old folk homes or handicaps that are worse off than these animals maybe these people should be more aware of the human side of things, people and animals get hurt in any kind of sport, its never an intention to happen.
What exactly is “strong animal care?”
The entire nature of the sport is distressing and physically abusing animals. I’d like to know why that’s not abuse.
I really wish the Stampede would stop calf roping and steer wrestling. It strikes me as being a cruel and unnecessary aspect of the rodeo.
And no, I’m not an activist. I’m not against the rodeo, either. I think that these events, in particular, are outdated and shouldn’t be run any longer.
That they are still running makes it hard for me, as a Calgarian, to support the Stampede.
Dear Paul,
You are certainly right that Stampede time is the right time to be doing an animal welfare campaign because the issue is actually occurring then but I take issue with your suggestion that it is being done for fundraising reasons, most of these organizations do not have appropriate funding to even pay staff. But since we are discussing money – how much money do you think the rodeo brings to Calgary, or Alberta, or Canada – millions – but then you know that don’t you?! I think you gravely underestimate the opinion of the average citizen. If the activities that are being done to ‘working animals’ in the rodeo were being done to cats and dogs these events would have been stopped a long time ago. In terms of animal sentince there is no difference between the ability of a dog or cat to feel pain than a cow, pig, or horse. Its just that we as humans have determined that some animals we use as pets, sme we eat, and some use for fighting or sports events. Its that designation that modern thinking folks are taking issue with. There isn’ enough care and concern carried out for the duration of the animals life that can make the beating he/she takes in ring appropriate. The ‘times they are a changing my friend’ and it is only a matter of time before events such a calf roping will be outlawed. But here’s the thing – the strength of the Calgary Stampede is not the events – it’s the people – Calgarians and Albertans that make the Stampede what it is. The Stampede would be ever as amazing without the animal abuse – actually I take that back – it would be even more amazing without the animal abuse!
Have you ever seen Cirque du Soliel – it is a circus of humans and it is awesome!! Watching it males me proud of humans and their remarkable ability. I never have that feeling watching yet another poor elephant being whipped to stand on a blue ball while wearing a colorful hat! When I see that I feel for this sentient creature being debased by hideous human behavior.
I want to be completely and utterly proud of the Calgary Stampede and I can’t feel that way right now with these archiac events taking place.
Cheers, Else
I’m glad to see that you’re willing to have some online, public discourse about these difficult ethical questions. Kudos.
It’s a tough challenge to have such an important cultural and community enterprise resting on the public sentiment around the treatment of non-human animals.
Movies can post in their trailer that “No animals were hurt in the making of this film” – but that’s a credential that the Stampede, unfortunately, will probably never be able to have.
I think factory farming is probably a much bigger priority, in terms of animal interests. But then again events like the rodeo, or the bull fight, are powerful symbols. So I guess I’m very sympathetic to those calling for the end of rodeo and bull fighting. But I also get how commercially and culturally invested Calgary is in rodeo. It’s complicated – and will probably prove to be more complicated with time.
“Trouble is, the issue of humans’ relationships with animals is very complex.” Um, no not really. Some people use them as commodities, others don’t. Simple.
I fail to see how anything that involves terrifying calves by yanking a rope around their neck can serve as entertainment for any caring compassionate person
I get so discouraged with people who try and put up a defense and then go on with this nonsense that horses are cared for,etc. Listen, get with it that many horses have died in this Calgary Stampede. Quit this traditional and historical values, quit it, and do away with this outdated, meaningless stampede. We are better educated,supposedly more loving. Stop seeing the horses being killed, just to entertain the people. We who do not support this stampede where many animals die, intend not to give up our protest.
I know that the Stampede is 100 years old, but really think it is time to change and start making this event better for the animals that are in it. I find it very sad & disturbing that we as humans continue to use animals for our own selfish ENTERTAINMENT purpose. I keep hearing the horses like chuckwagon races. How do you know this? Horses are forced into this, people make choices to participate in sports, animals are forced. The roping of calves is definitely abuse and anyone who begs to differ does not fully comprehend what that calf is enduring. We seem so complacent when it comes to the suffering of any living creature. Please have some compassion and stop using animals in such horrible situations. It’s outrageous in today’s society. Animals were not put on this earth to be treated and put through such grueling tasks.
I find it very disturbing that people who are involved in or a fan of this sport don’t see this as wrong on all levels. *sigh*
Dear Paul:
Your second statement is inaccurate.
There are more than a few people watching how the Stampede Board will evaluate its position on the Chuckwagon Races.
You can release all the autopsy reports and corporate communications strategies you want, but it does not diminish the negative impacts that this antiquated SPORTING event has on the Calgary Stampede. Is it a make or break on the bottom line of the Stampede? Cannot the Chuckwagon’s role not be presented to attendees in a different way that holds less risk for the animals, the crowds that witness the carnage and the reputation of the Stampede?
There must be another way in your 101st year that you can capture the spirit of the event in a more thoughtful manner than an event which is only sporting, not historic.
Paul, thank you for this blog item especially for the information on the use of the words “humane society”. The rodeo is a sensitive topic for many and one that you will never likely see someone “switch sides” on.