BONNYVILLE – Animal Justice, a Canadian animal law advocacy organization, had recently sent a letter to the MD of Bonnyville and the Town of Bonnyville, urging them to refuse to fund the Lakeland Xtreme Broncs & Bulls rodeo. The Toronto based organization stated that the rodeo subjects animals to “extreme physical and psychological suffering.”
Animal Justice forwarded the letter to Lakeland This Week on April 28, with the Lakeland Xtreme Broncs & Bulls rodeo being held on May 9 and 10.
The Lakeland Xtreme Broncs & Bulls rodeo, held in Cold Lake, was sanctioned by the Canadian Bull Riders Association, and includes bull riding, bronc riding, and barrel racing.
“We encourage you to instead support initiatives that are safe and fun for both humans and animals, and which accord with Albertan values,” stated Alexandra Pester, Animal Justice Staff Lawyer.
Shawn Metchewais, organizer for the Lakeland Xtreme Broncs & Bulls event, told Lakeland Today that the wellbeing of their stock is first and foremost.
“The health and welfare of the four-legged athletes is paramount in everything we do in the professional rodeo industry. From the expert stockmen and women that look after the animals day in and day out regardless of location, [to] the contestants and committees, we are all working in partnership with the animals with a focus on their overall wellness.”
The MD of Bonnyville voted to sponsor the rodeo for $10,000, and the Town of Bonnyville voted to sponsor the event at $1,000. No concerns about animal welfare were raised during their respective April 22 council meetings.
Pester included a quote from veterinarian Dr. Malgosia Mosielski, in her letter to the councils.
“[Mosielski], a veterinarian who previously worked in the animal welfare branch of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, has commented to Animal Justice that ‘bull riding is an activity that relies entirely on inciting a fear response in the bull. Bucking and aggressive behaviour is an evolutionary response to a perceived threat, such as having a ‘predator’ on their back.’”
Metchewais cited over 60 rules the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association has addressing animal welfare, which includes the requirement of a veterinarian to oversee every animal during competition.
“We will have a veterinarian on site for our event coming from the Lloydminster Animal Hospital, Dr. Taryn Schachtel and each aspect of animal care will be addressed, and contingency plans are in place to prevent any issues and deal with any areas of concerns,” said Metchewais.
Pester opposed the equipment often used in rodeos, including spurs, flank straps, and electric cattle prods, and raised concerns about the risk of injury for the animals.
Metchewais said the rodeo industry and stock contractors are “exceptionally proud of the four-legged athletes” they have their industry.
“The livestock is celebrated in the same vein as the cowboys and cowgirls,” said Metchewais.
