In response to a Professional Bull Riders (PBR) event scheduled for Saturday, June 1, in London, Ont., national animal law organization Animal Justice has formally informed the city’s law enforcement and animal welfare services about potential animal cruelty violations—citing breaches of the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (PAWS Act).

In a statement, Animal Justice says, “While the PBR London 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 (also known as “bucking straps”) are tightened around the bulls’ underbellies before they are released from the chute, causing pain and discomfort to provoke more violent bucking. Past PBR events in Saskatchewan have seen animal welfare officials document the use of electric prods on bulls that “stalled” in or near the chute. Additionally, as riders can earn extra points for spurring the animal, riders often wear metal spurs that can inflict back and leg injuries on the bulls.

Alexander Pester, a lawyer with Animal Justice, says, “Bull riding events do not deserve special treatment under Ontario’s animal cruelty statutes. Should the PBR proceed with this event, employing inhumane and outdated methods such as flank straps, spurs, or electric prods, it is our expectation that organizers will be held to account for any violations of the PAWS Act.”

Animal Justice has also advised authorities that the event likely violates the Criminal Code, which forbids causing unnecessary pain, suffering, or injury to animals, given that the event is for entertainment and serves no agricultural purpose.

City of London Councillor Samuel Trosow echoed Animal Justice’s concerns, stating, “Animal Justice’s concerns are very troubling and deserve further scrutiny from the city. I also worry about the public safety and animal welfare aspects of how the bulls are transported and lodged. I‘d like to conduct a review of our existing by-laws to see how London can take any further actions.”