May 24, 2007
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) is aware of the decision of the Cloverdale Rodeo in Surrey, British Columbia to not hold all standard rodeo events at their 2008 event. The PRCA has co-sanctioned this rodeo in the past with the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA).
The PRCA puts the welfare of the livestock involved at PRCA-sanctioned and co-sanctioned events as a high priority and they are protected by a staunch set of rules and enforcement procedures. The Cloverdale Rodeo Committee made the decision to cancel some rodeo events at their 2008 event after an unfortunate incident in which an animal was injured. After conferring with the CPRA, the PRCA learned that the incident was outside of CPRA's rules for proper care and handling of livestock and the individual involved was disqualified and fined per CPRA's rulebook. The PRCA supports the self-enforcement of rodeos through the 60 rules in place to provide for the proper care of the livestock.
The PRCA has learned that the Cloverdale Rodeo is held on property owned by the City of Surrey and the local rodeo association felt obliged to abide by local officials' wishes regarding the rodeo and the cancellation of these events.
The PRCA stands behind the sport of professional rodeo with all events as conducted under our rules providing for the proper care and handling of rodeo livestock.
