Animal Justice has alerted the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture that illegal animal cruelty is likely to occur in rodeo events at the Nova Scotia Stampede, scheduled for September 26-29 in Truro, Nova Scotia.
Rodeo events are fundamentally cruel, subjecting animals to fear, pain, and torture in front of large boisterous crowds. Bulls and horses are not “athletes,” as rodeo events often portray them—animals are forced to perform and are harmed if they don’t comply.
Provincial laws prohibit causing distress to animals—including for entertainment purposes, such as rodeo events. Under national animal protection laws, it’s prohibited to cause pain and suffering to animals. There are no exemptions for rodeos.
Despite these laws, authorities often turn a blind eye to the harm inherent to rodeos. Animal Justice is urging Nova Scotia to uphold the law and protect animals from cruelty at the Stampede, particularly in bull riding, bareback, and saddle bronc riding competitions, which are notoriously risky.
Bull & Saddle Bronc Riding Are Extremely Dangerous
The Nova Scotia Stampede’s upcoming bull riding, bareback, and saddle bronc riding events pose significant risks for animals. These competitions involve a rider trying to stay mounted on a bull or horse as the animal bucks in a desperate attempt to remove them.
According to Dr. Malgosia Mosielski, a veterinarian and former animal welfare specialist with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, “Bull riding relies entirely on inciting a fear response in the bull. Bucking and aggressive behavior are evolutionary responses to perceived threats, such as having a ‘predator’ on their back.”
If the event goes ahead, bulls and horses will be made to buck using painful metal spurs and flank straps that are meant to cause discomfort. Additionally, they’ll have the traumatic experience of a rider clinging to their back in a noisy, chaotic environment, which only adds to their stress. Before animals are released from the chute, and may be kicked, have their tails twisted, or be shocked with electric shocks to provoke them into bucking wildly in front of a cheering crowd.
These events are not just painful and terrifying—they are also extremely dangerous. Bronc riding in particular often leads to serious injuries. In most cases, the animals are killed after becoming injured instead of given time to heal.
Animal Law Enforcement Responds to Animal Justice Complaint
In response to Animal Justice’s legal complaint, the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture has acknowledged that provincial law prohibits animals from being in distress for entertainment purposes.
The department confirmed that they will visit and monitor the animals where they are housed off-site. Additionally, the provincial Farm Animal Welfare Veterinarian and an inspector will be present near the pens and chutes where the animals are held and moved before and during the event, to oversee their treatment, movement, and overall well-being.
Banner: Jordan Rivers / We Animals
