I hope I read a clarification by the Alberta SPCA and the Calgary Humane Society of what "working closely with" means.

I hope I read a clear and unambiguous condemnation of animal sports and this rodeo in particular by both societies.

Charges under the Alberta Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of causing or permitting distress can be laid against the Stampede for the way most of the animals are treated.

If the Alberta courts aren't ready for that interpretation of the Act, there is no question that the horses that died were in critical distress. Of course, the law's solution to that is to kill the animal and let the games go on.