Animal Justice Calls for Investigation After Horse Struck Repeatedly at Calgary Stampede Rodeo
CALGARY—On Wednesday, Animal Justice filed a formal complaint with the Calgary Humane Society calling for an investigation into the treatment of a horse who was struck repeatedly on the head after falling in the chute during a saddle bronc riding event at the Calgary Stampede rodeo.
Calgary Humane Society is responsible for enforcing Alberta’s Animal Protection Act (APA) in the city.
Footage aired on Sportsnet during the July 7 Stampede rodeo showed a horse named Ice Cube in the chute before being used in a saddle bronc riding competition. With a competitor on his back, Ice Cube bucked and fell in the chute and remained down in the chute for several minutes.
While he was down, a group of individuals attempted to get him up off the ground. One person is seen repeatedly striking Ice Cube on his head and pulling forcefully on his mane.
Animal Justice has formally asked Calgary Humane Society to investigate the incident under the APA and hold those responsible for Ice Cube’s treatment accountable.
The APA prohibits causing an animal to be in distress. This includes subjecting animals to injury, pain, suffering, or abuse. Recent amendments that would shield rodeo activities from this law are not yet in force, and striking an animal on the head would not be reasonable or generally accepted in any case.
“It’s disturbing to see a horse struck repeatedly on the head,” said Alexandra Pester, Animal Justice’s senior staff lawyer, based in Calgary. “The footage raises serious concerns about how this horse was treated after falling in the chute. There is no justification for repeatedly hitting them just to carry on with the competition.”
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