Second horse dies at Calgary Stampede
Vancouver Humane Society says chuckwagon racing must stop
July 8, 2009
The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) is calling for an end to chuckwagon racing at the Calgary Stampede, following the death of a second horse at the Stampede.
The horse was euthanized after breaking a leg in one of Tuesday’s (July 7) races. Another horse died of a heart attack after a race on Sunday (July 5).
“Chuckwagon racing is not a sport, it’s animal abuse,” said VHS spokesperson Peter Fricker. People who love horses need to tell the Stampede this has to stop.”
Fricker said the risk of death or injury for horses in chuckwagon racing was unacceptably high, with horses dying nearly every year at the Stampede. He said 23 had died at the races in the last 10 years. “The stress on the horses from this event is far too high. It is clearly inhumane.”
VHS says it believes many people in riding clubs, equestrian associations and other equine groups oppose chuckwagon racing.
