The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair has announced that the scrambles this year have been cancelled.
In a news release, Provincial Exhibition President Kathy Cleaver says “The health and welfare of our animals is important to us and has always been a top priority.”
On its website, the group ‘Animal Justice’ had recently posted “Animal Justice and the Winnipeg Humane Society believe these events likely violate federal and provincial animal cruelty laws. The groups have the support of the Brandon Humane Society, which has operated in Brandon since 1946. Pig and calf scramble events are cruel and outdated. Scrambles cause baby animals fear and distress as they’re chased, wrestled, and pulled by their tails, necks, and bodies by children and teenagers for entertainment. Animal scramble events are illegal in some jurisdictions, and many have been cancelled by fairs across Canada due to animal cruelty concerns.” They also urged supporters to ask the Royal’s organizers to cancel the scrambles.
Other events involving animals at the Fair – horse, cattle and dog shows – will all go ahead as scheduled.
The 2022 Royal Manitoba Winter Fair will officially kick-off on Monday, March 28th from 7:00 am – 10:00 am in the historic Dome Building with the annual Sunrise Credit Union Western Breakfast, presented by 94.7 Star FM and Q Country 91.5. The cost of the breakfast is $5.00 and those attending are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for Samaritan House Ministries.
The Fair will wrap-up on April 2nd at the Keystone Centre in Brandon.
