KINGSTON—National animal law organization Animal Justice has formally alerted the Kingston Police Service (KPS) about violations of animal cruelty laws that are likely to occur at the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) events scheduled for June 4 and 5 at Slush Puppie Place.
While the PBR Kingston Classic is billed as an “exhilarating” spectacle where attendees may have the opportunity to witness “wrecks”—where riders are horned or stomped by the “rankest” bulls who are “born to buck”—the bulls have no choice in the matter.
During these events, flank straps (or “bucking straps”) are tightened around bulls prior to their release from the chute, applying pressure, and often significant pain and discomfort, to their sensitive underbellies in order to make the animals buck more violently.
In Saskatchewan, at previous PBR events, animal welfare officials observed the use of electric prods on bulls who “stalled” either in the chute or while moving to the chute. Additionally, metal spurs attached to riders’ boots may also be used to induce the animals to buck, putting them at risk of back and leg injuries. Under PBR’s rules, a rider can earn extra points by successfully kicking out their leg and “spurring” the bull.
Animal Justice has informed law enforcement about these and other concerns regarding the treatment of bulls during bull-riding events, citing potential breaches of Ontario’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (PAWS Act). Not only does the PAWS Act prohibit causing an animal to be in distress, but it also prohibits exposing an animal to an “undue risk of distress.”
“Bull riding events do not deserve special treatment under Ontario’s animal cruelty statutes. Should the PBR proceed with these events, employing inhumane and outdated methods such as flank straps, spurs, or electric prods, it is our expectation that organizers will be held to account for any violations of the PAWS Act,” said Alexandra Pester, staff lawyer at Animal Justice.
Because the events are for entertainment and serve no valid agricultural purpose, Animal Justice has also advised authorities they likely violate the Criminal Code which forbids causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal.
Due to concerns about animal welfare, tools like flank straps, metal spurs, and electric prods – and in some cases rodeo events in general – have been banned in jurisdictions including Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Baltimore, the state of Ohio, and the United Kingdom, as well as in Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Port Moody, and North Vancouver.
City of Kingston Councillor Lisa Osanic, shares Animal Justice’s concerns. Councillor Osanic said: “The aggressive nature of bulls during rodeo performances is a direct consequence of the intention to annoy and provoke them with violent kicking of spurs into their sides, along with other methods. We should all be concerned about animal welfare and protecting them from cruelty.”
The Kingston Humane Society has signed Animal Justice’s letter to Kingston Police. Executive Director Gord Hunter comments: “Every animal that we interact with deserves the five freedoms of animal welfare which include freedom from pain, injury, distress and discomfort. As Kingston’s largest animal welfare organization, we cannot and will not separate or compartmentalize animal welfare to only include pets or domestic animals. As such, we fully support the efforts of Animal Justice and of Councillor Osanic to hold PBR to account and to hold Slush Puppie place to a higher standard when booking events.”
