For over 128 years, the Winnipeg Humane Society has spoken up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and is calling for an end to inhumane tie-down calf roping competitions at the upcoming Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition taking place from July 22nd – 24th in Morris, Manitoba as part of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association's circuit. 

Tie-down calf roping competitions see juvenile calves running full speed from chutes in unfamiliar arenas while pursued by a competitor on horseback. A lasso is then thrown around their necks, forcibly yanking them to a stop, often having the young animals crash to the ground in the process. Calves are then grabbed by the flank and thrown to the ground while three of their legs are tied together. The entire event relies on involuntary participation of juvenile animals whose bones are still developing, and puts them at risk of physical injury and death.

Calves lassoed and thrown to the ground risk sustaining injuries to the neck, limbs, and respiratory tract, or even death.

Research (Sinclair et al. “Behavioral and Physiological Responses of Calves to Marshalling and Roping in a Simulated Rodeo Event.” Animals (Basel). April 2016;6(5)) also demonstrates that calves used in roping events release such hormones as cortisol and epinephrine, suggesting a stress response for animals involved.

Manitoba’s Animal Care Act prohibits inflicting upon an animal “acute suffering, serious injury or harm, or extreme anxiety or distress that significantly impairs its health or well-being.” An exemption is provided for agricultural practices and fairs so long as the activity conducted is 'consistent with generally accepted practices.'  Tie-down calf roping is no longer viewed as a generally accepted practice by animal welfare groups and the general public alike, and many jurisdictions in Australia, Brazil, and Canada have banned the event, as well as the whole of the United Kingdom, Germany, and The Netherlands.

Though many other rodeo events such as chuckwagon races also raise red flags for animal welfare organizations for their inherent risks, calf roping events are exceptionally unnecessary and inhumane forms of entertainment, and do not meet acceptable animal welfare standards. Such events should no longer be tolerated in a compassionate and humane society that acknowledges animal sentience and welfare.

Please join us in signing and sharing the petition, and by sharing your concerns regarding calf roping with Canada’s Professional Rodeo Association at cpra@rodeocanada.com  

Thank you for helping us stand up for Manitoba's animals.   

Photo Credit: We Animals Media