Calgary Herald reverses position on ads critical of rodeo

Runs Vancouver Humane Society's full-page ad against calf-roping

VANCOUVER, July 5 /CNW/ - The Calgary Herald newspaper is today running a full-page advertisement critical of calf-roping, a key event at the Calgary Stampede rodeo. The ad was placed by the Vancouver Humane Society (VHS), which is campaigning for a ban on the event.

In 2009, the Herald refused to print an anti-rodeo ad submitted by VHS. It is believed that today's full-page ad is the first ever published by the Herald that is openly anti-rodeo.

The ad shows a photograph of a roped calf on the ground with a cowboy standing over him. The headline reads: "That's entertainment?"

The image can be downloaded at: http://vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca/stampede.html.

"We're very pleased that the Herald is running the ad," said VHS spokesperson Peter Fricker. "We think it will make people stop and think about what is really happening to these animals."

For further information: Peter Fricker, 604 266 9744, Cell: 604 603 5401; Debra Probert, 604 266 9744, Cell: 778 994 9744