Calgary paper reverses position on anti-rodeo ad

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Calgary paper reverses position on anti-rodeo ad

The full-page ad shows a cowboy roping a calf with the caption 'That's Entertainment?'

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As much as I disagree with what the ad is trying to get across, I support that group's right to post the ad. I am a big supporter of the rodeo; I also support freedom of speech. Good for the Herold. Freedom is a beautiful thing.

Freedom Lover in Alberta

Calgary paper reverses position on anti-rodeo ad

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Calgary paper reverses position on anti-rodeo ad

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Tuesday Jul. 6, 2010 9:33 PM ET

In a change from recent years, the Calgary Herald has run a full-page ad condemning the entertainment value of the Stampede.

The Herald accepted a $15,000 ad from the Vancouver Humane Society that shows a cowboy roping a calf, with the tagline, "That's entertainment?"

"We are in principle against rodeo, we think its wrong here in the 21st Century to be abusing animals for the sake of entertainment," Peter Fricker of the Vancouver Humane Society told CTV Calgary.

However, the Calgary Humane Society has stopped short of condemning the world-famous Stampede, which attracts more than 200,000 out-of-towners to the city.

"We are fundamentally opposed to certain rodeo events that cause unnecessary pain, suffering and possible death, but feel it's better to work with them in order to make the changes than to take the adversarial approach and work against them," Desiree Arsenault said.

The Stampede maintains that animals are not abused.

"Animals are extremely well treated at the Stampede and at the ranches where they are brought up on, these animals could not perform if they are not treated properly," Doug Fraser of the Stampede said.

The full-page ad is actually a watered-down version of an ad rejected by the Herald last year. That ad called cowboys "bullies."

The Herald said that ad was offensive to the majority of its readers, while this year's was not.

Comments are now closed for this story

mikefromHalifax
said

Why is it that people who have never lived near a farm let alone wrangle a farm animal always condemn those who make a living dealing with farm animals for demonstrating their long practiced skills. These rodeo animals are treated much better than their relatives who end up on the feed lot, and who, when they reach a certain weight and are deemed to be steak-worthy, are butchered in a very cruel fashion. Have any of you visited an abattoir and seen where your beef comes from. Very often the poor animal is still conscious, or at the very least still kicking, when it is speared through the legs with meat hooks and hoisted up to have its throat cut. At least rodeo animals get a chance for some payback. And yes, for many, a rodeo is a very good form of entertainment.

Let them be
said

Its sick that people get off on scaring these animals. I don't care how well they are treated before the event. Clearly they are scared, and get injured and sometimes die in these unnecessary events. Its frustrating and often pointless trying to make "pro rodeo" people see how barbaric this entertainment is. But then again your not dealing with the classiest most educated people in general who enjoy watching these animals running for their lives (in some cases literally running for their lives). One day in the future, in history classes this ridiculous entertainment will be looked at with mostly shameful eyes.

Doug # BC
said

I like the rodeo,and I've been able to attend several times since I was a kid.Frankly,I think the animals are treated quite well.I'm sue they'd rather be grazing somehwere.But if it wasn't for the rodeo.they'd probably be headed for a fate they would definitely like to postpone as long as possible. I do find the post by "John,Halifax,NS" to be unnecessarily nasty,and quite innaccurate.I have to think this is from someone who's never been west of Ontario.I've been to Alberta many times,and I find them quite nice.While I am quite sure most people in NS are equally pleasant,I have to tell "John",that whe a poll was taken in BC a few months ago,the question was "if BC was not already in Canada,would you vote to join conferderation?"" As I recall,the tally was i favour of joining,but by a VERY slim margin.I expect it's people like "John" that make sentiments like this possible. Honestly,if I had to choose between a Canada being colonialized by socialists from Ontario,and joing with Alberta for an independant west,I'd go with Alberta in a heartbeat.The only thing I can add to that,is that I hope tha's a choice I never have to make.That depends on just how far left Ontario thinks it can push us,and whether or not we can expect even a hint of democracy in the Senate,and a proper voice for western Canada in the federal government.If "John's" view of Canada prevails,he won't have to kick western butt for a whole lot longer.The entire west can take the hint. There's little to be gained by staying somewhere where you're not welcome.But if the west has to be like central or eastern Canada to be welcome,I vote to leave.Diversity is obviously not on the agenda.

PBW
said

If we are going to ban things like the Stampede, in which animals are ridden, raced or roped, then perhaps we should also do something abouit other entertainments, especially those that cause harm to humans. We allow entertainers like rock bands or race cars to assail our ears with sounds at a volume that, if found in a workplace, would bring about a successful appeal to Workplace Safety and health. What would happen if I were to try to place a full page ad when some top band is in my city? Wuold it get the published, or not be accepted? I suspect the latter. However, I have the sense to agree that people have freedom of expression, whether in the form of Rodeo, racing or Rock music. I do not see why any special interest group should force its opinions on me, or deny me the right to my favorite form of entertainment.

Keith
said

The group has all the right in the world to pay for an ad, that I have no issue with. I DO have an issue with many of the people talking about how horrible we are in Western Canada for having a rodeo. These animals have comfortable lives for the most part, most often in pastures etc. Also the rodeo is something that has been a part of life on the prairies for 150 or more years. It is a sport and a celebration of heritage.

Bill in BC
said

Oh, Puleeeze! And "carrot juice is muder" will be the next rallying cry for the wingnuts!

Kevin in Calgary
said

The Rodeo sells out all the time. So, yes, we do find that entertaining and your little ad just makes me laugh. All these die hard liberals from other provinces are always telling Albertan's what to do. No wonder the seperation movement is starting to take hold here.

Tono
said

The vast majority, if not all, of the sports at rodeos do not "torture" animals. If it was torture, they wouldn't cooperate. It is reported that many broncs and bulls enjoy it; they know what they are in for when they are put in the chute, and if they knew it was going to be torture, they would refuse to go in.Matt is right; most of the people advocating a "ban on rodeos" are far-left eco-obsessers, not people who've actually spent time around animals.

Rob
said

When I saw the recent riots in Toronto, a thought came in the back of my mind that they should send in the cowboys to lasso and hogtie those vandalizing punks. Now THAT would be entertainment.

Gary
said

It�s a point of view. Some will take it some will leave it. Good for the Herald for allowing free speech. In the end, the rodeo events in question probably are inhumane. They are also part of a culture. That means it will take time to adapt or update the rodeo. No reason it can�t change over time. Every sport I know has changed over time. Many significantly. As have cultures.Rather than shame the event and automatically offend and cause defensiveness among rodeo fans, the Humane Society should spend the $15000 researching and proposing alternatives to update or alter the events while paying respect to the deep rooted history and culture of rodeo in Alberta.

SK Prairie Boy
said

Do I detect a growing tinge of pink in Cowtown?

Rena
said

Thank you Vancouver Humane Society for trying to raise awareness!Thank you to The Herald for running the ad, despite the inevitable backlash.And thank you to Sheila Potter and Brian In Sarnia for being aware of the realities of the stampede.

madison
said

I am a ex-rodeo participant . I finally gave it up after witnessing some pretty horrible animal abuse, which is usually behind the scenes and the public is never aware of. All events are cruel in some form,except barrel racing), but you have to be a insider to catch on. The smaller rodeos and contracters are probably the worst. The Stampede is big business at the expense of animal expoitation and abuse, as much as they like to deny it.

Against PETA and other silly notions
said

For those of you making ridiculous statements against others because you do not agree with their position, argue with facts not "you should be ashamed because I do not think it's right" logic. I do not think it right for anyone to eat butter...taking that poor cream and violently thrashing it around in a mixer, making it confrom to a small container and then putting it in an ice cold environment is just plain inhumane. And to drink milk without a guilty conscience when those poor cows have had to stand for 15minutes while their teats are constantly sucked dry, I mean how can you even think to feed milk to your children - let's drink soda instead...afterall it's cheaper and more humane. [All the sarcasm you can muster is intended - Go Stampede Go!!!]

Vince M
said

Yeah, let's knock the cowboy - the last bastion of "real" we have left. I suppose having someone truck the cattle from a feed lot then kill and butcher them for you in a slaughter house so you can burn the meat over flames as you entertain your friends in your backyard is more sophisticated and humane. What a bunch of hypocrites.

Chuck
said

So roping animals around the neck while they are in full sprint is not abusive and is entertainment. Wrapping bull testicles with a rope to enhance bucking is not abusive and is entertainment. Seeing horses run over by chuck wagons is not abusive and is entertainment. A paper that censors ads from using the word bully is OK? Only in red neck country do the almighty $$ supersedes animal welfare. Explains the tar sand mentality.

J.S.
said

Bleeding hearts. This country is full of them. The inhabitants of Canadas cities continue their assault on the culture and values of rural Canadians. If you don't like it, don't watch it! And mind your own business!

Bob Huff
said

While I'm pro rodeo, anyone that wants to believe that there is no harm or injury to a calf as its forward momentum is stopped from 20mph to zero and flung off all its legs into the air, being suspended by a rope around its body better get a reallty check.

Jim
said

I COMPLETELY disagree with VHS on their position here, but I wholeheartedly support their right to do so. I even commend them for putting their "money where their mouth is", though I'd expect that a lot of folks in Vancouver may not appreciate the fact that their donations helped to fund a newspaper ad in a seperate province. What I wish is for those that don't like rodeos, or hunting, or fishing, or the "meatetarians" that do enjoy all of the above, would respect our rights as much as we respect theirs. I have never heard an angler or a hunter wanting outright bans enviromentalists or animal rights activists, or a "meatetarian" who wanted to outlaw vegetarians...

Mar
said

Brian in Sarnia, I guess you don't know that its actually cowboys from all over the world that come to compete in Calgary, and there are rodeos all over the world as well. So this is not an "Alberta" thing, even though it is part of our heritage. If you don't like it, don't go, its as simple as that. The animals are monitored and cared for, probably more than many animals or pets all over this country. To the comment about the dressing up, countries all over the world have festivals they dress up for, Toronto for example has the pride parade where many people dress up, what about Mardi Gras, or the festivals all over South America, Caribanna, etc. Its a fun event, its been around for decades, and the rodeo is a prestigious event. So have fun, enjoy the party, and Vancouver, focus on your own problems.

Hebes, Alberta
said

It's humane to kill a horse when it has a broken leg or give a needle to a dog when it is old and suffering but euthanasia is illegal, go figure. The same people who fight for animal rights also don't support euthanasia, I believe the term for these people is hypocrites, it's hard to take these people seriously.

Jack R
said

@Matt.I lived on a farm Matt. And I'm 100% AGAINST the rodeo. It's barbaric. Every year horses and cattle are injured for our entertainment. It's wrong. You know it and any decent person knows it. We progress not regress (hopefully). I don't believe a tradition like this serves any real value outside of showing how cruel we can be to animals. Put an end to the rodeo now. Same goes with circuses that showcase animals.

DAVID
said

What about all the poor fish slaughtered for the numerous sushi bars in the Whinecouver area?You can't sneeze in Vancouver without some group protesting. I wake up everyday and thank the heavens I am not living in Vancouver!

Norm in Ontario
said

JD IN ALBERTA. Watching whales and the rodeo are completely different. Standing on shore watching whales is far from harrasing wildlife. Watching calves being wrestled to the ground by a knuckle-dragger or watching horses getting tangled up an having to be destroyed in chuckwagon races. Oh Yeh, that's great fun.

Norm in Ontario
said

I have not seen the ad. I am only commenting on the actual rodeo.Matt, I grew up on a farm and yes our animals were treated very humanely, however, the rodeo itself is barbaric and antiquated. This is "a way of life" and "part of our culture" are the 2 reasons I keep hearing in defense of the rodeo. Oh Please!This sh*t went out with the gunfight at the OK Corral. The people of the Prairies are far too advanced and intelligent to believe in this nonsense. This show of "no words to describe it" is akin to the circus and carnivals.

BCDJT
said

And how many horses will have to be destroyed in the Chuck Wagon races this year ???

V. Taylor
said

I was a guest in one of the proprietary infield booths and watched 'open mouthed' as I saw a wee calf put into an extremely confined 'cage' and a man stand outside right behind it, and twist its little tail until they pulled the front of the cage open and the little animal bolted out of its confinement only to be roped to unconciousness by a 'cowboy.' And this is entertainment. For Calgarians and cowboys. I couldn't believe then, and I can't believe now the idiocy of those who state these animals are well treated. God, pass me the kleenex 'cause I'm laughing so much. Idiots. This is NOT entertainment; this is torture. Put yourself in their position and tell me this is FUN.

Brian In Sarnia
said

Asking a culture such as the one that exists in Calgary to change is pointless. Not until the immigrants in that city outnumber those rooted in Calgary for generations, nothing will change.Of course it's abusive to throw an animal down and tie it up. Of course it's abusive to force animals to pull wagons, and risk their lives. There are countless deaths on record due to the Stampede. If it were humans dying each time a sport is staged, people would demand change. Since they're "only animals" dying, those rooted in the Albertan culture turn a blind eye. Alberta's not exactly known for being progressive, or interested in changing with the times. Kudos to the Vancouver Humane Society for planting the seed, but it's going to be a long, long growing season.

J-Ontario
said

Dont like it, dont watch it.

Marilyn Snyder
said

I will not buy another Calgary Herald!! Mind your own business Vancouver. We Calgarians are proud of and love our Calgary Stampede, and if you do not approve then STAY HOME!

Mike
said

Most injuries to calf's occur during practice sessions leading up to the rodeo events, calf's have been know to die from or suffer from spinal cord injuries, severed trachea's, as well as broken backs, necks, and legs, this is a trade secret most rodeo organizers or ranchers would prefer the general public not know.

Jack and Jill
said

I hope the humane society publishes an add that details the offensive treatment on mice by cats in the big cities. I mean, they play and torture the poor buggers until they die. There are hundreds of thousands of cats in our city and the treatment of those mice are disgusting. What do they do with them at the end, eat them......ewww how terrible. Defend mice, stop the abuse by CATS.

Lz in Edmonton
said

Sigh. And in some countries, actually killing the animal is entertainment. We, in Canada, don't butcher animals for entertainment, but these animals are neither endangered or harmed. In the end, they end up on our dinner plate anyway. I don't go to rodeos but at the same time, I see it as a cultural thing in the "west." Personally, I hope the cattlemans association places an ad in the next day showing a side of beef along with the human socieities ad. It would give some balance to the paper.

David J
said

Once again I must ask -- what do we do with these animals if we don't ride them, use them for sport and entertainment? How long before keeping them in corrals and barns is considered "inhumane?" Should horses, cattle, sheep and swine be allowed to simply roam free across hill and dale, and on our streets and highways?

Sheila Potter
said

Rodeo's are a form of disgusting cruelty to animals - sanctioned by sick individuals who should have ropes tethered around their legs whilst being dragged along the ground, then lets hear them say that they felt no pain.Any Canadian who puts money in the pockets of money grubbing promoters by buying tickets to watch this abhorrent form of torture to defenceless creatures should be ashamed. What kind of sick society do we live in?

Ben
said

I never understood the stampede having been there several times. Halloween is on October 31, so the idea of wearing a costume for an entire week in July doesn't make sense to me. And roping cows and everything else - it's all so underlined by the phoniness of it all. The parties are fun though. Cheers

John, Halifax, NS
said

Nothing surprises me from America Jr. anymore. Why are they America Jr. because 20% of their population IS actually American. And, to that point you can keep them!

JD IN ALBERTA
said

Actually, Ya it's great entertainment.I I go every year. But it is also a way of life.I also go fishing and hunting. Is that next to be condemmed?Maybe the Vancouver humane society should go chase away whale watchers; I mean isn't harrassing wildlfe just as evil? But people in Vancouver consider that entertainment.

Freedom Lover in Alberta
said

Matt
said

People who are opposed to the rodeo and believe it to be inhumane have never lived on a farm, or been involved in the raising of the rodeo animals or in their performance. If they had, they would know like I do that those animals are treated very well, especially the rodeo stock.

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Calgary paper reverses position on anti-rodeo ad