Steer euthanized after Calgary Stampede Rodeo

This is exactly why I don't agree with rodeos, I know they are not all like this and I'm not sure what fate would befall the animal otherwise, but I will never attend one of these events for due to stories like this one here.

Thanks for this Luciano.  I agree.  It is not clear what happened to the steer.  I suspect it was a broken neck because of the way they are taken down in steer wrestling.

Thank you for the recommendation Amy. I respect your opinion on this. Although I have attended rodeos in the past and have seen them as fun events, I am also having second thoughts. Any event that animals are being used in, including horse racing, carry a certain amount of risk. I also see a lot of abuse in the cattle industry, with the SPCA being totally helpless.

It saddens me greatly to read this sort of news. I have never been witness to such but can only imagine. Many may not agree with me but possibly it happened for a greater purpose. Animals, all animals were given to man as a resource. And while we have dominion over them it is foolish to think we will always have this resource. How dare people take animals for such fun, sorry, "sport". Hopefully one day SPCA and other organizations will be able to change this.

I worry more about the horses used in the chuckwagon races as they are thoroughbreds that can't make it on the track.  In the past these horses were basically 'throwaways' and many suffered horrendous injuries, but from what I understand, they are now much more valued and looked after better.  One of the really great things about the rodeo is that it focusses attention on the plight of animals in general.  So many people indulge in eating meat, eggs, dairy and putting steer manure on their 'green' gardens and never think about the source.  It's unfortunate that a steer had to be put down, but compared to the thousands put down in the meat industry it's insignificant.

Unfortunately, we don't really know what the animal feels.

Steers were destined for slaughter by predators on the wide open grassy plains where they lived.

Surely, compared to being choked to death by lions or ripped to shreds by hyenas, some steer wrestling is almost a walk in the park for them.

Thanks for this Roy. 

Err.. any of you have leather shoes or have the occasional burger?? I agree, it's too bad what happened to the steer. But please, let's put it into context!! Go visit your local meat processing plant kill floor and you'll know what I mean.

thank you ILOVEBEEF.

Growing up in Calgary I attended rodeo events at the Stampede and in surrounding areas. We almost always had seats in the infield and I can tell you it's a great place to see what really happens - the tail twisting, face punches, kicks, etc. Now, if you've got good eyes, you'll spot the electronic devices. The infield is not a place for the squeamish. You'l be treated to the sound of bones crunching and the sight of blood. The truly appalling thing is the cheers and happy faces of onlookers when these things happen. Years ago the Stampede also had horse racing between rodeo events and I remember watching as a  beatiful thoroughbred was driven right through the rail. There it stood screaming in pain, impaled through the chest by the broken rail, hanging half up, half down. People in charge of "taking care of the animals" kicked at it repeatedly in an attempt to get it off the jagged spike. When it was eventually dragged out of sight it was still kicking and screaming in pain. It's a sound I shall never forget. That same day two calves, a steer, and a chuckwagon horse lost their lives. These things still happen; we just don't hear the gunshot anymore as we used to at the smaller rodeos. The people involved in rodeo need to stop saying that injuries happen more often to the cowboys. Then maybe, just maybe, they might gain back a little of my respect. But never another dollar of mine. I will continue to encourage all relatives, friends, and friends of friends to avoid the Stampede and Calgary in general.