(steve estvanik/Shutterstock.com)

Calgary Stampede Called Off Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

The annual Calgary stampede, which hasn’t been cancelled in nearly a century, has been called off this year as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19.

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi shared comments with CBC.

“This is very, very tough. Stampede is such an important part of who we are as a community, and it’s hard for me to even imagine what a July without a Stampede will look like,” he said.

“But this year, with this risk, we simply cannot continue to do that.”

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Multiple indsutries have been impacted by COVID-19 (Andrew Angelov/Shutterstock.com)

Criticism Of The Calgary Stampede

The stampede has long been a target of criticism within animal protection spheres.

Six horses were killed after an event at last year’s festival, which drew significant criticism from animal rights group PETA — a longstanding opponent of the annual display.

Events Cancelled Due To COVID-19

Not the only animal-exploitation-oriented event to be canceled in the wake of the viral outbreak, the stampede joins Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls and RibFest events across Canada in calling off proceedings this year.