The annual Calgary Stampede in Canada is meant to be a celebration of western culture, community spirit and agriculture.
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The second horse in four days has been euthanized as a result of driver error at the Calgary Stampede chuckwagon races. This year was no different.
“Although driver error is rare, we know that the stampede, the two professional associations and the drivers themselves are working together to ensure these incidents are not repeated”, said Stan Church, chair of the chuckwagon safety commission in a news release.
The first horse died on Saturday (4 July) after breaking a leg during the chuckwagon races, in which horses pull wagons round a figure of eight dirt track.
Many organizations believe that the chuckwagon competition consists of “inhumane rodeo practices”.
“This is considered a serious injury; and unfortunately our veterinarian needed to euthanise the horse immediately”, Kurt Kadatz, spokesman for Calgary Stampede, told Canadian press.
“The democratically enacted laws of Alberta unequivocally state that it is illegal to cause or permit animals to be unreasonably in distress”, says Anna Pippus, director of farmed animal advocacy with Animal Justice.
The incident occurred during heat two when Shane Nolin’s wagon made contact with the lead horse of BJ Carey’s team on the third corner of the racetrack. Carey was assessed a $5,000 deduction from the $10,000 he would have received in compensation for his lost horse.
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Nolin has been fined $5,000. The commission is reportedly looking into how to make the race cleaner and safer.
