The Chilliwack Rodeo Association is refuting allegations by Vancouver Humane Society that an electronic cattle prod was used last weekend to make an animal perform.
B次元官网网址淭his is untrue,B次元官网网址� stated CRA president Len Blackstock.
Photos taken by VHS volunteers of a stock contractor and sent to the media appeared to show an electronic device used on a bull during the bullriding competition at the Chilliwack Fair.
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That is in dispute now.
B次元官网网址淭he handheld device is there for the safety of the animal and rider and was in his hand ready in case needed for an emergency,B次元官网网址� said Blackstock.
Use of cattle prods on livestock is prohibited in the arena during rodeo performances, under B.C. Rodeo Association rules.
The only exception is for B次元官网网址渃hute stallingB次元官网网址� animals, with contestant and contractor approval, and use of the device is only permitted by a qualified member.
B次元官网网址淚 feel it is necessary for me as President, and on behalf of the Chilliwack Rodeo Association to respond to the allegations about a hand-held device being used to make the animals perform,B次元官网网址� Blackstock said.
That would be against the rules, he underlined, and if violated, fines could be issued.
He emphasized that the CRA proudly celebrated 30 years at the Chilliwack Fair and Exhibition in 2018 with huge community support. They attracted 35 local sponsors, and more than 6,000 spectators over three days of rodeo events.
B次元官网网址淲e all take pride in operating a quality performance, where animal welfare and safety are a top priority,B次元官网网址� Blackstock said. B次元官网网址淥nce again, there was no injury to any of the stock.B次元官网网址�
A veterinarian was available as usual during the rodeo, but not called into service.
B次元官网网址淭he Chilliwack Rodeo doesnB次元官网网址檛 condone mistreatment of the stock at our rodeo. The animalsB次元官网网址� welfare is a major concern.B次元官网网址�
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The VHS initiated a back and forth communication with the Chilliwack Fair last year over some rodeo practices.
The focus that rodeo officials already have on conditions and treatment of livestock led to banning certain BCRA members from competing in the past, and adopting Calgary rules for tie-down roping and steer wrestling.
B次元官网网址淲ith that in mind, the CRA will review the use of HotShots at our next meeting and look at what other rodeos are doing,B次元官网网址� Blackstock said. B次元官网网址淚f we vote for them to be banned it will be written in our 2019 contract.B次元官网网址�
There are also plans to continue to modify and improve the rules to continually better the sport of rodeo.
B次元官网网址淲e are hopeful that with these continued changes and through education and humane practices, that the history of rodeo and the cowboysB次元官网网址� skill can be enjoyed by all.B次元官网网址�
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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