A video that the Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) said shows 91Ƶstressed and frightened animals being roughly handled91Ƶ at rodeos in Langley and Chilliwack drew criticism from organizers of the events, who said the footage showed eagerness, not fear, on the part of the animals seen in the clips, released on Wednesday, Oct. 5.
A VHS press release pointed to clips showing animals 91Ƶthrashing around91Ƶ in the chutes prior to being released into the rodeo arena, and of 91Ƶhandlers pulling on the ears and tails of a number of animals.91Ƶ
Society spokesperson Emily Pickett said the footage contradicts claims by rodeo supporters that the animals love to perform.
91ƵThis footage, once again, proves otherwise,91Ƶ Pickett commented. 91ƵIf the animals love to perform, why is it necessary to twist their ears, drag them by their tails, and fasten uncomfortable straps around their sensitive underbelly to make them do so?91Ƶ
Pickett added the events 91Ƶput animals at risk of injury and death, all for the sake of public entertainment.91Ƶ
Organizers of the Langley and Chilliwack rodeos said it was stretching things to say animals were being harmed, or frightened.
Held in early September, the Valley West Stampede was hosted at the Langley Riders Association (LRA) grounds in Brookswood.
LRA president Paul Ritchot said no animals or people were injured during the three-day event.
91ƵThey are not being harmed in any way,91Ƶ Ritchot told the Langley Advance Times.
91ƵIt91Ƶs like any sport. We treat the animals as athletes. They91Ƶre extremely well looked after.91Ƶ
LRA treasurer John Scotton said a longer version of a VHS clip showing a bull falling to its knees, would show the animal got dizzy after 91Ƶspinning around and around91Ƶ to shake its rider off.
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Valley West Stampede board member Shannon Claypool said they invited the B.C. SPCA to visit the Langley event, but their contact person with the animal protection agency contact declined, saying they wouldn91Ƶt attend unless there was a complaint.
Claypool said no animals or humans were injured at the Langley event.
91ƵWe had a veterinarian on site during all rodeo performances 91Ƶ and an ambulance [for the cowboys].91Ƶ
Chilliwack Rodeo Association president Len Blackstock said seeing a horse or bull trying to climb out of a chute doesn91Ƶt mean they are frightened, it means they are impatient.
91ƵThey91Ƶre bred to do that, they91Ƶre anticipating [getting in the arena],91Ƶ Blackstock commented.
Blackstock said the animals are 91Ƶwell-looked-after, they91Ƶre well-fed.91Ƶ
As for injuries at the Chilliwack rodeo held over three days in August, 91Ƶwe had a couple bumps and bruises on the guys, but no animals were injured91Ƶ he said.
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The VHS has been calling on organizers for both rodeos and local city councils to remove what they term inhumane rodeo events, including roping, bucking, wrestling and mutton busting, from event programs.
Have a story tip? Email: dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com
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