Authorities Investigating Calgary Stampede Rodeo After Cowboy Hits Horse in Head

The Calgary Humane Society has opened an investigation into the Calgary Stampede rodeo after Animal Justice filed a legal complaint over a shocking video depicting animal cruelty. 

On July 7, during a bronc riding event, a rodeo worker repeatedly hit a horse named Ice Cube in the head and roughly yanked his mane on live television.

The video broadcast shows Ice Cube in a chute with competitor Sage Newman on his back before collapsing. He remained on the ground for several minutes. While Ice Cube is on the ground, the cowboy is seen striking him and pulling his mane in an apparent attempt to force him to stand.

We’re pleased that authorities are investigating this disturbing incident, which appears to violate animal cruelty laws.

Cruelty to animals is generally illegal under criminal and provincial laws. However, the Alberta government recently changed its laws to give rodeo and chuckwagon racing a free pass from rules that would otherwise apply—leaving animals used in these events with even fewer legal safeguards against suffering.

A Legacy of Suffering

Year after year at the Calgary Stampede, animals are subjected to fear, stress, injury, and death in rodeo and chuckwagon events. Since the Vancouver Humane Society began tracking in 1986, at least 110 animals have died as a result of Stampede events. Horses regularly suffer fatal heart attacks or broken legs, leading to their deaths. Calves have had bones—and even their necks—snapped during roping and wrestling events.

The Calgary Stampede’s rodeo and chuckwagon events have become a stain on an otherwise celebrated festival. Most Canadians, including a majority of Calgarians, now oppose cruel rodeo events as an outdated spectacle. Most Stampede attendees don’t even visit the rodeo. Instead, concerts, rides, games, parties, and parades at the Stampede still provide a fun, celebratory atmosphere without putting animals in harm’s way.

Contact the Stampede Board and urge them to remove rodeo and chuckwagon racing from the Stampede once and for all!

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