WINNIPEG—Animal Justice is calling on Manitoba’s Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) to stop tie-down calf roping events from taking place at the upcoming Manitoba Stampede, where adult men on horseback chase down panicked calves, who are captured with a rope, thrown down and tied up.
For years, Animal Justice has argued that events like calf roping, by their very nature, violate Manitoba’s Animal Care Act. In its complaint to the CVO, Animal Justice highlights a recent Quebec government-commissioned report from veterinary experts. The report concludes that tie-down calf roping is so inherently cruel and dangerous it cannot be done in a manner that complies with provincial animal protection laws.
The Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ)’s working group on the safety and welfare of animals used in rodeos noted that because of “impacts on the psychological well-being of the calves,” only ending calf-roping can “ensure the well-being and safety of the calves used during this activity”.
After they’re roped, the terrified calves are slammed to the ground and struggle to break free as their legs are forcibly tied. Calves may cry out, suffocate, and defecate from fear and stress. The animals can suffer broken and fractured bones, throat, neck, and spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and even death.
“Slamming a terrified young animal to the ground and tying their legs together in a deafeningly loud arena is not only deeply inhumane, it appears to be illegal under Manitoba’s Animal Care Act,” said Kaitlyn Mitchell, Winnipeg-based director of legal advocacy at Animal Justice. “Events like tie-down calf roping are outdated and increasingly out of step with Manitobans’ compassionate values.”
Animal Justice is also urging the CVO to send animal protection officers to monitor the rodeo, including other high-risk events such as chuckwagon racing, which caused yet another horse death last weekend in Calgary, bronco riding, and steer wrestling, another violent event focused on tackling juvenile animals that can result in fatal consequences.
Last year, the Manitoba Stampede quietly cancelled a planned “mutton bustin’” event following public concern about animal welfare. A 2024 survey found nearly 70% of Canadians are opposed to calf roping events.
Contact:
Josh Lynn
Public Relations Manager
[email protected]
Kaitlyn Mitchell
Director of Legal Advocacy
[email protected]
