Animal Injuries and Casualties During the Calgary Stampede

July 15, 2010 – The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is aware of the accidental animal injuries and deaths that have occurred as a result of competition at the 2010 Calgary Stampede. To date, five horses have died or have been euthanized due to the nature of their injuries in separate incidents. At least one horse requires a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death, as it was not readily apparent.

CVMA recently approved a revised Position Statement on the use of animals in entertainment and recreation:

“The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) accepts the use of animals in entertainment and recreation only when the animals’ physical, social, and behavioural needs are being met. The CVMA opposes activities, contests, or events that have a high probability of causing injury, distress, or illness.”

The CVMA supports the efforts of the Calgary Stampede and its Animal Care Advisory Panel (ACAP) to examine and investigate each of the animal casualties and to review and possibly change how animals are used or required to compete in these events. In the case of rodeo events with a higher risk of animal injury, the CVMA urges the ACAP to put appropriate measures in place so that the risk of accidental animal injury and casualty are mitigated.