Horse Euthanized During Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon Race

A horse was euthanized after sustaining an injury during a chuckwagon race at the Calgary Stampede. Medical care was provided immediately, but the owner and veterinary team made the "humane decision" to euthanize the horse. The horse is the first reported animal death at the 2025 Stampede.

A horse that sustained an injury during a chuckwagon race at the Calgary Stampede has been euthanized. The incident occurred on Saturday during the eighth heat of the races, involving Chad Fike’s team [1].

Immediate medical care was provided, but following an assessment, the owner and the veterinary team made the "humane decision" to euthanize the horse. This is the first reported animal death at the 2025 Calgary Stampede, which concluded today [1].

The Calgary Stampede has implemented several safety measures to ensure the well-being of its animals. These include a fitness-to-compete program, which involves daily veterinary checks, and the installation of cooling systems in barns. The Stampede also maintains a team of veterinarians and animal behavior specialists on-site 24 hours a day [2].

The incident has sparked renewed discussions about the safety and welfare of animals in rodeo events. Animal rights groups have long advocated for the elimination of the rodeo portion of the Stampede due to the deaths of animals in previous years [1].

The Calgary Stampede is committed to creating the safest conditions possible for its animals. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in rodeo events and the importance of ongoing safety measures and animal welfare initiatives [2].

References:
[1] https://www.coastreporter.net/national-sports/horse-euthanized-after-injury-during-chuckwagon-race-at-calgary-stampede-10937712
[2] https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/chuckwagon-horse-injured-saturday-at-calgary-stampede-races