Animal protection organization believes CFR should be banned

Thousands of people have been taking in the events at the Canadian Finals Rodeo this week. But, not everyone is happy about it.

“I just do not understand how anybody can see this is entertainment,” said Voice for Animals executive director, Tove Reece adding, “Who wrestles steers on their ranches or farms? Like, nobody does. Does anybody ride bulls? No. It’s all for show.”

Voice for Animals is an Edmonton-based organization dedicate to protecting animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Members of the organization picketed outside Rexall Place, Saturday afternoon, because they strongly disagree with a number of the events that take place at the rodeo, particularly tie down roping.

“We consider it the worst event at the rodeo,” said Reece adding, “You have a tiny little calf, running at full speed, being lassoed by some big cowboy on a horse.”

In tie down roping, formerly titled calf roping, a calf is released and the cowboy must rope it as quickly as possible. Then, the cowboy must tie three of the calf’s legs together to complete the event.

“That’s cruelty, and there’s just no other way of looking at it,” explained Reece.

“Everyone has their right to their feelings,” said Ralph Murray, animal welfare and safety officer, Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA).

Murray says the rodeo is used to seeing groups who are against their events however, wants to ensure them that they treat their animals extremely well.

“Any sick or injured animal is taken out of the draw prior to the event,” Murray said adding, “Contestants would never compete on a, or with a, sick or injured animal.”

Murray says the CPRA has about 53,000 runs on animals throughout the year, and the association keeps statistics on all rodeo injuries.

“Our injury rate is less than 0.74 of one percent,” Murray said.

The rodeo has a veterinarian on site, who assess the animals before and after every event.

“Fortunately, I have not had that experience, where we see significant injuries,” explained rodeo veterinarian Jodie Santarossa.

Santarossa has been with CFR for six years. She says while members of Voice for Animals have a right to their opinion, she is conscious of the health and welfare of all of the animals.

“I think the basic needs of these animals are being met, and when we look at the basic freedoms that they’re assured by the Animal Protection Act, we’re meeting those needs.”

“Our concern is the cruel events, and the fact is that a lot of the animals don’t just go back to the farm afterwards, they often end up dying or suffering serious injuries,” said Reece.

Reece is disappointed that the city supports events like the CFR and would like to see these types of events banned.

“We understand that it does bring money to the city,” she said adding, “But, at some point you have to say cruelty doesn’t justify that.”

“I think it’s a big part of Edmonton,” argued Murray adding, “People are entitled to play basketball or hockey, or every other sport. Cowboys do rodeo, it’s our lifestyle and culture.”

So far this year there haven’t been any injuries or deaths in any of the events, including tie down roping.

With files from Jenna Bridges. 

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