The Vancouver Humane Society is calling a new planned rodeo event in 91原创 this fall 鈥渁 major step backward,鈥� arguing rodeos cause unnecessary fear and suffering to animals.

Events such as bull riding use spurs and tight ropes to get the animals to buck as part of the competition, said Chantelle Archambault, a community director for the society.

She noted that the Cloverdale Rodeo has dropped some events in recent years because of concerns over animal welfare.

In addition, the number of rodeos overall in B.C. has been in decline, with events in Abbotsford and Victoria cancelled over the past decade.

The biggest rodeo remaining in the Lower Mainland, the Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair, was cancelled this year for the third year in a row, in a move that was largely due to COVID-19.

鈥淲e believe that this event is not in the public interest of 91原创 residents,鈥� said Emily Pickett, Campaign Director for the VHS.

The new rodeo in 91原创, apparently to be held at the 91原创 Riders outdoor arena in Brookswood, is being organized by the Valley West Stampede Society, with Rich Kitos, a former vice-president of the Cloverdale Rodeo & Exhibition Association, attached to the project.

Black Press Media confirmed with the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association the event has been approved.

READ ALSO: Rodeo set to move to 91原创 for Labour Day weekend