RODEO

Calf roping

British-based animal rights group is calling on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to stay away from the rodeo at the Calgary Stampede during their visit next month.
Prince William and the former Kate Middleton are scheduled to participate in the opening of the Stampede during their three-day visit to the city, July 6 to 8.

A full itinerary of the royal visit has not been released, so it's not yet known if they are planning to take in the rodeo, but a group called Fight Against Animal Cruelty in Europe has sent the royal couple a letter pleading with them to stay away, stating that "rodeo is North America's bullfighting."

"We've been working against rodeo for a long time," said Tony Moore, chairman of FAACE, which he said he founded with his late wife in 1987.

"Without cruelty, rodeo couldn't take place."

Moore also sent the royal couple an 11-minute video montage of edited clips from various rodeo events he said were all shot in North America.

The clips are set to dramatic theme music from the Oliver Stone film Platoon, although none of the scenes were shot at the Stampede and Moore has never visited the city.

"I consider it extreme cruelty and unnecessary," said Moore.

"And if Will and Kate attend the rodeo, they'll make it seem like it's OK.

"By all means go to Calgary, but keep away from the rodeo."

In February, the Stampede brought in a new set of rules governing chuckwagon races and rodeo after six horses died last year.

New regulations include provisions for mandatory rest days for horses, more veterinarian checks and increased track grooming.

Critics have said the changes are mere window-dressing, but the Stampede said the new rules were to improve safety.

"The safety of all the participants in the Stampede, be they animal or human, that's our No. 1 priority," said Doug Fraser. spokesman for the Stampede. "We have 7,500 animals on park every year during the Stampede and we care very deeply about these animals as do the people who bring them."

Every year, the Calgary Humane Society has animal protection officers on the grounds throughout the Stampede monitoring and enforcing provincial and federal animal protection legislation.

Executive director Patricia Cameron said the Stampede has been responsive to recommendations for improvements to animal safety. She said the Stampede has made at least 33 amendments to its practices based on consultation with the humane society in recent years.

"There's certainly some highrisk rodeo events that have been tied to numerous injuries and animal deaths, so we do understand (FAACE's) concern," said Cameron.

"But the Stampede has taken the opportunity to make needed changes, they're continuing to make changes and as a result they may have a positive influence on other events. There are many, many rodeos across Western Canada and down in the States and some of those events are much more high-risk and under much less scrutiny than the Stampede. So the Stampede can actually be a force for good in influencing and supporting other events in making needed changes."

Local animal rights activist R.J. Bailot said he hopes the royal couple skip the rodeo when they arrive next month.

"We would encourage them to go to a horse sanctuary or to visit one of the horse rescue groups in Alberta," said Bailot, who works for Pound Rescue in Okotoks.

"They are in a position where they can influence people and help change attitudes about the cruelty associated with rodeo."

If Will and Kate do wish to attend the rodeo while in Calgary, Fraser said the Stampede will be happy to accommodate.

"If the royal couple has any intention of seeing the rodeo, we'll give them the best show possible," said Fraser. "But their itinerary has not been announced."

smyers@calgaryherald.com

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