Stampede to review safety after horse deaths

Calgary The Calgary Stampede says it will conduct a “thorough review” of chuckwagon safety after six horses died throughout the 2019 Rangeland Derby, making this year’s edition of the event the deadliest in almost a decade.

Three horses were euthanized following injuries sustained during the final evening of chuckwagon races at the Stampede on Sunday, doubling the 10-day competition’s tally of horse deaths.

The incident happened during the eighth heat when a chuckwagon rig belonging to driver Evan Salmond went down in the northeast corner of the track.

The right lead horse of Salmond’s wagon sustained a running injury, according to the Stampede. A veterinarian assessed the horse and determined it suffered a fractured left hind cannon bone.

Two other horses belonging to Salmond also sustained “serious” leg injuries. The Stampede said they were cared for immediately on the track, but a veterinary team determined there was no option for treatment.

“This is as upsetting to us as it is to our community, and is challenging for us,” the Stampede said in a statement early Monday morning.

“The Stampede’s commitment to the safety of animals and the conditions of their participation in our events is paramount to our values and brand integrity.

“We will continue to be open in our communication with our community.”

The incident capped off a grim week for Salmond’s outfit, after one of his animals died and three more sustained minor injuries in a collision on Thursday.

The 2019 Stampede’s total number of horse deaths at six is the most since six chuckwagon horses died in 2010.

The high toll of 2019 has prompted renewed calls by animal rights groups to ban chuckwagon and rodeo events at the Stampede.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals supporters planned to gather Tuesday outside Premier Jason Kenney’s office, wearing horse masks “to make the point that horses’ lives count,” and calling for an end to the chuckwagon races.