May 28, 2009

Nova Scotia SPCA Approves Position Statement on Rodeos

On May 25, 2009, the Board of Directors of the Nova Scotia SPCA approved the following position statement in opposition of rodeos:

Position
The Nova Scotia SPCA is opposed to rodeo events and practices that involve a risk of harm or distress to animals.

Rationale
Rodeo events and practices typically cause distress to animals and put them at risk of harm on a routine basis. This occurs during the events themselves as well as during training, transportation and handling.

Events and practices that cause distress and cruelty to animals include, but are not limited to: bull riding, bronco riding, sheep riding, steer roping, calf roping, “wild horse racing,” chuck wagon racing, steer tailing, and horse tripping; the use of devices such as electric prods, sharpened sticks, spurs, flank straps and other rodeo equipment that artificially cause animals to react violently; transportation in cramped trains or trucks and infrequent access to food and water.

The purpose of a rodeo is entertainment. No amount of distress to an animal is acceptable for this purpose. Furthermore, rodeos are typically promoted as family events. People should be aware that rodeos may demonstrate to children that harming animals for entertainment is fun.

There is no tradition or cultural significance to rodeos in Nova Scotia. The Nova Scotia SPCA thus opposes the presence and proliferation of all rodeos and rodeo events in our province.