Animal advocates claim victory as Luxton Rodeo calls it quits
Last rodeo on Vancouver Island is cancelled
VANCOUVER, Feb. 9, 2015 /CNW/ - The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) and Victoria Citizens Against Rodeo Events (VCARE) are claiming victory after news that the Luxton Rodeo in Langford, near Victoria has been cancelled.
The animal protection groups had campaigned for three years to end cruel rodeo events, receiving considerable local and regional support. A number of the rodeo's sponsors had dropped out as a result of the campaign.
"It's a great victory for animal welfare," said VHS spokesperson Peter Fricker. "It's a tribute to the progressive and compassionate people of Vancouver Island."
VCARE Organizer Melissa de Meulles said "No matter what the reason for the cancellation, this is one less rodeo stop for the animals and hopefully the first of many rodeos to close down. Our community can be proud it spoke loudly and stood up for animals."
The cancellation of the Luxton Rodeo is the second blow to the rodeo industry in recent years. In 2007, after a long campaign by VHS, the Cloverdale Rodeo announced that it would discontinue four key events: calf-roping, steer-wrestling, team-roping and wild cow milking. VHS also convinced the City of Vancouver to ban rodeos in 2006.
SOURCE Vancouver Humane Society
Peter Fricker (VHS): 604 266 9744 Cell: 604 603 5401, Melissa de Meulles (VCARE): 250-883-6562
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