Vancouver Humane Society calls for chuckwagon race to be suspended after horse dies

VANCOUVER, July 12, 2018 /CNW/ - The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) is calling on the Calgary Stampede to suspend its chuckwagon race after yet another horse had to be euthanized after being injured in the event on Wednesday. More than 60 chuckwagon horses have died at the Stampede since 1986.

"Nearly every year horses die in this race, which clearly puts them at undue risk of injury and death," said VHS spokesman Peter Fricker. "The Stampede has failed to stop horses dying and the public should let them know this is unacceptable." 

VHS is calling on the Stampede to suspend the race and set up a panel of independent experts to review the event to determine if it can be made safer. Fricker said companies that sponsor the race should withdraw their support until this happens. VHS is also urging the Stampede rodeo to eliminate calf-roping and steer-wrestling, which it says are undeniably cruel.

The Vancouver Humane Society is a registered charity dedicated to the humane treatment of animals.

SOURCE Vancouver Humane Society