The St-Tite Western Festival is the target of a civil lawsuit for mistreatment of calves and steers during its rodeos.

Thus, the organization Community Animal Law Quebec (DAQ) requests that a permanent injunction be issued to prohibit the use of these animals during the rodeos of the famous festival which takes place each year in Mauricie.

The DAQ bases its lawsuit on the Animal Welfare and Safety Act (BÊSA Act), which came into force in 2015, which states that it is “prohibited to compromise the biological imperatives (essential needs) as well as the welfare and safety of animal beings. In addition, the BÊSA Law also mentions that animal welfare is a matter of public interest.

"In light of this new legal framework for the welfare, safety and protection of animals in Quebec, the DAQ is challenging the practices of the Festival western de St-Tite before the Superior Court of Quebec and will provide all the evidence required to carry out this legal action, ”said the organization in a press release published on Friday.

Founded after the Government of Quebec ruled that animals are sentient beings, the DAQ's mission is to advance animal ethics and law as well as educate and raise public awareness of the well-being and animal safety.