Humane Society takes issue with Cloverdale Rodeo

SURREY (NEWS 1130) – The cowboy boots are out and a spring tradition is underway south of the Fraser.

The Cloverdale Rodeo has begun, bringing thousands of country enthusiasts to Surrey. However, despite some changes several years ago, not everyone is on board with the event.

Peter Fricker with the Vancouver Humane Society says while a handful of events — including calf roping and steer wrestling — were scrapped back in 2007, the society doesn’t support the ones still included like bull riding.

“And they all involve placing a flank strap around the hindquarters of the animal, which is tightened to make them buck,” he tells NEWS 1130. “And that’s basically in our view, tormenting an animal and coercing it into unnatural behaviours.”

But Shannon Claypool with the rodeo claims the horses and bulls only work eight seconds a week.

“And you know, they’re worth $150,000-$200,000 a piece so they’re very well taken care of.”

Fricker says the Humane Society hasn’t planned a protest, but knows others who have.

The rodeo wraps up on Monday.

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