Animal safety, care is priority No. 1 at Stampede
The Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede takes care to ensure the safety of its animals, just like its human participants, says general manager Jim MacArthur.
“It’s of paramount importance, because animals are at least one half of the equation,” he said.
“People that have been raised in rodeo and agriculture certainly have a strong feeling toward the proper treatment of animals.”
The Stampede does routine inspections of the holding pens to ensure conditions the animals are kept in are up to par with health and safety standards.
It’s also part of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association and the U.S.based Professional Cowboys Rodeo Association, which come with their own obligations toward animal safety.
The CPRA sends three judges to independently inspect the Stampede.
One of the most crucial aspects of this safety regime is having a veterinarian on standby in case there’s an injury or other health issue.
“Just like there’s a human ambulance on standby, there’s a veterinarian on standby,” said MacArthur.
“And, of course, the other thing is to have knowledgeable people around. I think, without exception, our rodeo committee all have background with animals, usually horses in particular.”
MacArthur, who’s been with the Stampede for 16 years, said whenever inevitable injuries occur, they’re dealt with quickly and carefully.
“There definitely have been some incidents, but I think that we’ve handled them well,” he said.
“The act, what animals go through to throw the rider off, is fairly athletic. There’s some stresses and strains, and that’s where the injuries would come from.”
The Stampede also works with the local Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to ensure the animals are housed safely.
In collaboration with the SPCA, the Stampede set up a sprinkler system to prevent the animals from overheating in their pens, if weather necessitates.
“We’re really fortunate this year that temperatures have been quite civilized,” said MacArthur.
The health and safety precautions aren’t just for the good of the animals, but also serve to re-assure attendees.
“People have a right to know if they pay to come see a show that we’re doing things properly,” MacArthur said.