Luxton Rodeo calls it quits after campaign by VHS and VCARE

The Luxton Rodeo in Langford, B.C. has been cancelled, following a three-year campaign by the Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) and Victoria Citizens Against Rodeo Events (VCARE).

The campaign,which gained support from local people in Langford and from animal lovers across the country, had called for an end to cruel rodeo events.  Powerful newspaper ads, like the one shown at left, helped raise public awareness about rodeo animal cruelty. VHS would like to thank everyone who supported this effort – this is your victory.

The demise of Luxton is another sign that British Columbians are turning against the cruelty of rodeo.  A 2013 public opinion poll by Insights West found that 56% of B.C. residents are opposed to rodeos, with only 38% in favour of them. On Vancouver Island, 63% were opposed to rodeos.

The cancellation of the Luxton Rodeo is the second blow to the rodeo industry in recent years.  In 2007, after a long campaign by VHS, the Cloverdale Rodeo announced that it would discontinue four key events: calf-roping, steer-wrestling, team-roping and wild cow milking.  VHS also convinced the City of Vancouver to ban rodeos in 2006.

VHS will continue its fight to end rodeo cruelty, including our campaign calling on the Calgary Stampede to drop calf-roping and to suspend its chuckwagon race.

Please join us in our effort to end the suffering of rodeo animals. With your help we will gain more victories for compassion and civilized behaviour toward animals.

Visit our rodeo campaign page for more information.