Every summer, Calgary transforms for a 10-day Western extravaganza deemed the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” The event brings in visitors from all over the world to enjoy rides, games and music. However, overshading the fun and fanfare are the cruel rodeo and chuckwagon race events that take place daily on the Stampede grounds.
Rodeo and chuckwagon events inflict severe suffering on vulnerable animals. Many of these competitions lead to fatalities or injuries so grave that the animals are simply killed. These cruel and deadly events continue year after year even though they likely violate existing provincial and national animal protection laws. But to make matters worse, Alberta recently changed its laws to shield rodeo and chuckwagon participants from prosecution for harming animals.
100+ Animals Killed at the Calgary Stampede Rodeo & Chuckwagon Races
According to the Vancouver Humane Society, at least 110 animals have died at the Calgary Stampede since 1986. This number excludes any deaths that were not publicly documented or may have occurred during training outside of Stampede season. Even though Stampede officials always claim new and improved animal care efforts, just two years ago, 2024’s Calgary Stampede had the highest single-year death toll since 2019, with four horses dead in chuckwagon races and one steer who had his neck snapped while being violently wrestled to the ground. In 2025, yet another horse was killed in the chuckwagon races after sustaining a catastrophic injury. Kicking off last year’s Stampede, a horse was also taken away from the Stampede Parade after collapsing in the street.
It’s not just the Stampede rodeo and chuckwagon events that are dangerous for animals. Rodeos across Canada put animals and human participants at risk of serious injuries and even death. In May 2026, at the Cloverdale Rodeo in Surrey, British Columbia, a horse became entangled during a saddle bronc performance, injuring both the rider and the animal.
Canadian Animals Suffer for American Winnings
While Canadian animals endure immense distress during the Stampede’s rodeo and chuckwagon events, the financial rewards rarely stay in Canada. Rodeo competition data from 2025 shows that around 75 percent of competitors are American, and claimed the vast majority of total prize money.
Animals are being traumatized and killed in Canada, primarily for the benefit of non-Canadian winners.
Alberta’s Laws Against Animal Cruelty
Alberta’s laws and federal legislation are explicitly aimed at preventing and punishing animal cruelty. Yet, the rodeo continues to feature spectacles that publicly result in significant harm and death.
The Criminal Code of Canada prohibits intentionally causing unnecessary pain, injury, or suffering to animals.
Alberta’s Animal Protection Act also has long prohibited causing distress to animals. But shockingly, this year, the government changed the law to exempt rodeo and chuckwagon races from the animal protection laws that would otherwise apply. When the law comes into force in the fall, animals forced to participate in these events will have even fewer laws to protect them.
Take Action: Stop the Calgary Stampede Rodeo and Chuckwagon Cruelty
Most Canadians, including a majority of Calgarians, oppose chuckwagon racing and some of the other cruellest rodeo events. We cannot allow outdated traditions to excuse animal abuse. It is time to evolve past these cruel spectacles and protect these animals from further suffering.
Join Animal Justice in fighting back against rodeo abuse. Contact the Calgary Stampede board today and urge the Stampede to cancel all rodeo and chuckwagon racing events immediately.
Banner: Jo-Anne McArthur | We Animals
