Prince William and Kate Middleton are being urged to avoid the Calgary Stampede, during their visit of that city in July.
The UK Animal Rights group called Fight against Animal Cruelty says if the Royals visit the famous Calgary Stampede; it would be like saying that rodeos, in general, are ok.
The Animal Rights group also sent Prince William and Princess Kate a short propaganda video(shot to the dramatic music of Olivier Stone’s movie Platoon) depicting the horrors of rodeo in North America, although none of the footage was reportedly taken at the Calgary Stampede.
According to the Calgary Herald:
“Every year, the Calgary Humane Society has animal protection officers on the grounds throughout the Stampede monitoring and enforcing provincial and federal animal protection legislation.
Executive director Patricia Cameron said the Stampede has been responsive to recommendations for improvements to animal safety. She said the Stampede has made at least 33 amendments to its practices based on consultation with the humane society in recent years.”
It remains to be seen whether Wil & Kate keep the Calgary Stampede as part of their 3-day itinerary. I would sure that, with the Royal Family’s long history of hunting and show horses, they do not cave to pressure.
According to Stampede Spokesperson Doug Fraser, the Royals are more than welcome in his fair city:
“If the royal couple has any intention of seeing the rodeo, we’ll give them the best show possible,” said Fraser.
Prince William and Princess Kate will be in Calgary from July 6 – 8, as part of their cross- Canada visit.
Outdoorsguy