Cloverdale Rodeo this weekend; Vancouver Humane Society against some events

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SURREY (NEWS 1130) – The always-popular Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair starts tomorrow.

The Vancouver Humane Society won’t demonstrate at the rodeo this year, but it’s still opposed to some of the events.

Peter Fricker with the society says the bull-riding and bucking events can cause stress to the animals becuase they’re subjected to the use of a “flank strap.”

“[It is] tied around their hind quarters. That’s tightened, and once that happens, that’s what is encouraging them to buck. It’s an irritant. We think that it’s improper and totally unacceptable for animals to be subjected to that just for the sake of entertainment.”

“The polls are now showing that in British Columbia, 66 per cent are opposed to using animals in rodeos. Across Canada, it’s 63 per cent,” he argues.

Laura Ballance speaks for organizers and says the animals are treated humanely. “Some of the bucking stock are worth upwards of $1 million. They receive the very best veterinarian care, food, and attention. They are treated like the world-class athletes that they are.”

“We’re very proud to welcome the SPCA, which plays a very large role in inspecting the animals. We have volunteer vets to either give medical attention, if required, but also to be on standby to ensure that these animals are in the very best condition,” she adds.

This will be the 70th anniversary of the event.

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