By SINIKKA CROSLAND
Executive Director, Canadian Horse Defense Coalition
On November 24, 2008, a vote will take place at the legislative level in Alberta–whether to make rodeo the official sport in that province.
Liberal leader Kevin Taft is bringing in a private member’s motion in order to achieve this. He states: “Rodeo’s heritage in this province is so strong.”
The Canadian Horse Defense Coalition is opposed to the abusive practices used in professional rodeo. Prods, tight cinch straps, and frequent falls and injuries are commonplace in this so-called “sport”. Rodeo sends a callous message to the public, that animals are commodities to be used for human entertainment and profit. Major humane societies in North America have issued statements condemning rodeo abuse of animals. Additionally, many “spent” rodeo horses end up going down the slaughter pipeline because they are no longer of value as bucking broncos.
On behalf of the horses, please contact the following key legislators with your opposition to allowing Rodeo to become Alberta’s official sport. Ask them to consider wholesome, non-abusive sports instead that do not rely upon an animal’s reaction to pain, fear and stress for its entertainment value.
For the full story, read and add comments, go here: “Giddy-Up! Liberal leader pitches rodeo as Alberta’s official sport“, CBC News Canada.
Contacts:
Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach
Legislature Office
307 Legislature Building
10800 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
Canada T5K 2B6
Phone: (780) 427-2251
Email: fortsaskatchewan.vegreville@assembly.ab.ca
If your call to your MLA is long distance, please dial 310-0000 then the area code and the phone number you would like to reach in order to receive toll free access.
—–
Liberal Opposition Leader Dr. Kevin Taft is the person behind this bill to enact Rodeo as Alberta’s Official Sport. If you do not contact anyone else, please send your comments to him and to the Premier.
Dr. Kevin Taft (Liberal Opposition Leader)
Legislature Office
#201 Legislature Annex
9718-107 Street
Edmonton, AB
Canada T5K 1E4
Phone: (780) 427-2292
Email: edmonton.riverview@assembly.ab.ca
If your call to your MLA is long distance, please dial 310-0000 then the area code and the phone number you would like to reach in order to receive toll free access.
—–
George Groeneveld (Agriculture Minister)
Legislature Office
424 Legislature Building
10800 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
Canada T5K 2B6
Phone: (780) 427-2137
Email: highwood@assembly.ab.ca
—–
Honourable Cindy Ady (Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation)
Legislature Office
#229 Legislature Building
10800 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
Canada T5K 2B6
Phone: (780) 427-4928
Email: calgary.shaw@assembly.ab.ca
—–
Honourable Ron Stevens (International and Intergovernmental Minister)
Legislature Office
#408 Legislature Building
10800 – 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
Canada T5K 2B6
Phone: (780) 427-2585
Email: calgary.glenmore@assembly.ab.ca
—–
Honourable Lindsay Blackett (Minister of Cultural and Community Spirit)
Legislature Office
#418 Legislature Building
10800 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
Canada T5K 2B6
Phone: (780) 422-3559
Email: calgary.northwest@assembly.ab.ca
—–
Learn more about the work of the Canadian Horse Defense Coalition at www.defendhorsescanada.org
Thank you.
Tuesday's Horse 