SPA slams Minister Boulet for rodeo endorsement
TRecord Staff
he Society for the Protection of Animals (SPA) Canada has expressed shock at the Quebec Minister of Tourism, Julie Boulet, who has chosen to endorse the mistreatment of animals by continuing to support the Sainte-tite Western Festival despite numerous complaints over the years citing animal cruelty. In addition, the practices endorsed by the Minister are in direct violation of Chapter P-42 of the Animal Health Protection Act, the SPA claimed.
In a press release issued Thursday, the animal protection organization said Boulet ignored a recent study from Université de Montréal Law Professor Alain Roy, who has deemed the festival unlawful as well as Dr. Jean-jacques Kona-boun who found the festival to be harmful and dangerous to animals. “Despite the overwhelming evidence of a total disregard for animal health and safety Minister Boulet has chosen to continue supporting this festival,” the communiqué said.
Bulls, for example, are by nature not as aggressive as the rodeo would have people believe. Flank straps tightly squeeze the area near the bulls genitals to cause bucking while electric cattleprods and boot spurs are used to get an already scared and stressed animal to submit. The occurrence of broken legs among calves and horses is also very common. These otherwise healthy animals are then euthanized as they can no longer be used in events, the organization said.
“It’s absolutely unacceptable to use the pain and suffering of animals as a public spectacle,” says SPA Canada Communications officer Elise Morea.
The organization pointed out that, in December 2015, the Quebec National Assembly unanimously passed a law that provides adequate protection for domestic animals and some wild animals. It also provides for a series of prohibited acts including the transport of an animal or the training of an animal for combat. "No one may, by his act or omission, cause an animal to be in distress," it said.
Despite the implementation of this law, some continue their activities illegally and Roy’s report contains a disturbing video taken by a veterinarian. The video exposed, in direct violation of the law, a scene of a bloodied bull dashing through the walls of his enclosure as well as young calves tied to the ground with their legs bound. The conditions that are inflicted upon these animals for our entertainment are repulsive and illegal, Moreau adamantly reminded the government. “You are guilty of every transgression of the Laws you pass and it’s no different for the law that assures animals’ respect.”
SPA Canada said that the time is now to end what it considers cruel and inhumane practices and calls for the eradication of rodeos in the province.
“Today, we are asking the province of Quebec to acknowledge the current law and abide by its dictates and eradicate illegal rodeo practices throughout the province,” it concluded. “Quebec should join the many other places, like England, Scotland, the Netherlands, and the City of Vancouver, that have already chosen to abolish this inhumane practice.”