A killing ground for horses

Vancouver Humane Society calls for immediate halt to Stampede chuckwagon races

VANCOUVER, July 15 /CNW/ - The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) has called for an immediate halt to the Calgary Stampede chuckwagon races as a fifth horse has died at the Stampede, the third in the chuckwagon event.

"This event has become a killing ground for horses," said VHS spokesperson Peter Fricker, who said more than 50 chuckwagon horses have died at the Stampede since 1986.

VHS is calling for the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) to demand that the Stampede immediately suspend the event.  The CVMA's official position on the use of animals in entertainment states that it "does not condone activities, contests or events that involve undue levels of physical or mental harassment or situations that have a high probability of causing injury or illness."

VHS also says the corporate sponsors of the chuckwagon races should take responsibility for the event and urge the Stampede to suspend it immediately. 

Fricker said he hoped the equine community in Canada would express their outrage at the horse deaths at the Stampede.  "People who love horses should let the Stampede know that this is unacceptable."

For further information:

Peter Fricker  604 266 9744  Cell: 604 603 5401