An animal rights group says it has sent a letter to Kevin Costner urging him to withdraw from the Calgary crash.
The Hollywood actor was named marshal of the parade for this year’s event.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, said in a press release that Stampede’s rodeo races killed more than 70 horses – including half a dozen in 2019, when Stampede last held the races.
At the time, Stampede’s chief executive said he would conduct an in-depth review of the safety of chukagoni races.
In 2011, new rules were introduced requiring veterinarians to inspect animals arriving at Stampede before each competition. A mandatory day off after every four days has been introduced and track changes have also been made.
Stampede has always said that animal and human safety is his number one priority.
No one from the organization could be found immediately to comment on Thursday.
The cartridges, as they are unofficially called, have been canceled in the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but should continue this year.
“During these reckless and dangerous races, harness horses are forced to tow wagons around the track at breakneck speed,” PETA wrote in a letter to Costner.
“During the test, they can be seen foaming at the mouth with their eyes turned back in their heads. Many of them have broken legs or backs or suffered heart attacks.
PETA is asking Costner, who has starred in films shot in the Calgary area, to differentiate himself from the event.
“Year after year, this reckless rodeo is driving tender horses to death,” senior vice president Lisa Lange said in a statement Thursday. “PETA calls on Kevin Costner to sever ties with Calgary Stampede before costing more lives.”
Animal welfare groups, including the Vancouver and Calgary Humane Societies and Animal Justice, have long called for competitions and other rodeo events to be stopped because they constitute animal cruelty.
Animal Justice is a national organization working to improve the legal protection of animals.
Chuckwagon racing is a nightly spectacle during the 10-day Stampede. Crowds watch horse-drawn carts roar around a black track, accompanied by riders.
This year’s Stampede runs from July 8 to 17.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 2, 2022.
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