October 7, 2009

Say No to Rodeos: Animals Suffer to Entertain Humans

By Scott Millar, as published in the The Chronicle Herald

Three horses and a steer were killed at this year’s Calgary Stampede, the causes of death ranging from heart attack to broken neck. In response, Stampede organizers ensured the public that their animals are "treated like family." Given that these deaths occurred during forced, violent performances in front of rowdy crowds, one might be forgiven for taking these assurances with a large grain of salt.

Sadly, there is a rodeo coming to Nova Scotia this week. The events at this year’s rodeo include bull riding, bareback bronc riding and saddleback bronc riding. These events are not as severe as the ones that led to deaths in Calgary, but for the animals they are dangerous and cruel nonetheless.

Make no mistake: Rodeos involve cruelty to animals, for the purpose of entertainment to humans. This is why virtually every SPCA and humane society in the country takes a position against them.

Unbeknownst to many in the public, the horses and bulls used in rodeo events are usually tame, domesticated animals. They must be goaded by various methods into acting wildly for the excitement of the crowd. Such methods include electrical prods, tail-twisting and "flank straps," which are tied tightly around the animal’s sensitive abdomen in order to cause stress and induce bucking. It is not uncommon — even in the riding events — for horses and bulls to suffer injuries ranging from open sores to broken bones to death.

Life for these animals sees no improvement between shows. They are transported long distances in cramped compartments, standing in their own filth with infrequent access to food and water. The International Professional Rodeo Association — which governs the upcoming rodeo — permits companies to confine their animals for up to 28 hours with no food, water, or space to rest or move around.

Perhaps the worst aspect of rodeos is that they are billed as family events. Children, most of whom have a natural affection for animals, learn at the rodeo that this is an acceptable way to treat them. I, for one, would prefer that my children learn respect and kindness for all living beings. The rodeo is an insult to these values, teaching instead that sentient beings are toys to be used for our pleasure. Whether you teach your children that animals should be free to live their lives without human interference or that they are on this Earth to serve mankind, surely this type of treatment is not what was intended, and all so that we may be entertained.

Rodeo has no place in Nova Scotia’s cultural heritage. We are a people proud of our attachment to the land and the wilderness, and to our own cultural traditions. Fortunately, our province offers a wealth of opportunities for those seeking entertainment. Want to get some exercise and see wildlife in its natural habitat? Hike Kejimkujik or the Cape Breton Highlands. Want to connect with your cultural history? Visit the Acadian Village or the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Want a little more excitement? Take in a Mooseheads or an Axemen game. Whatever factors go into your choice of what to do this weekend, please add compassion to the list, and say "no" to the rodeo.

Scott Millar is chair of the Advocacy Committee, Nova Scotia SPCA.