Animal rights groups call for end to ‘Barnyard Challenge’ at Royal Manitoba Winter Fair

Following backlash from animal rights groups in 2022, the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair canceled the event known as the ‘Calf Scramble,’ which pitted juvenile cattle against teens and young children with the goal of removing the animal’s halter for a prize.

Flash forward to 2024, and a new event, dubbed the ‘Barnyard Challenge,’ debuted at the fair—strikingly similar to the previously canceled event.

Now, with the annual fair set to return next week in Brandon, animal rights groups are once again calling for the end of what they view as a cruel and outdated event.

“Unfortunately, just making the name sound nicer doesn’t change what is happening in the event,” said Krista Boryskavich, director of animal advocacy at the Winnipeg Humane Society.

In a letter from Manitoba’s Chief Veterinary Office to fair organizers in March of last year, obtained by Animal Justice through a freedom of information request, the CVO urged the fair to “carefully assess” whether the calf scramble aligns with current animal welfare standards and its own mission.

“We have animal protection laws in Manitoba for a reason, and this seems to run afoul of those laws,” said Kaitlyn Mitchell, director of legal advocacy at Animal Justice.

While fair organizers did not respond to numerous requests for comment, Co-Chair Clint Swain says their mission “is to bring rural and urban communities together while educating and showcasing agriculture at its finest through our events.”

“It seems to teach children that animals’ feelings don’t matter—that you can chase them and grab at them if you find it entertaining. It’s a really sad lesson to teach young children,” said Mitchell.

Animal Justice and the Winnipeg Humane Society have filed a formal complaint with the CVO, citing possible violations of Manitoba’s Animal Care Act.

“It seems the fair’s interpretation of the law is that you can cause animals distress if you’re having fun doing it—and that is not what the Animal Care Act says,” said Mitchell.

“The Winnipeg Humane Society is encouraging people to let fair organizers know—with their voices and their wallets—that this form of entertainment is not acceptable in this day and age,” said Boryskavich.