Calgary, AB – After a thorough review process, the Calgary Stampede has upheld its decision to disqualify the Championship steer in the 2013 Calgary Stampede UFA Steer Classic Competition.
The Stampede’s Agriculture Review Panel reviewed the matter and agreed with the original disqualification. The Panel (a group of knowledgeable individuals that had no part in the original decision) cited that the competition’s rules were explicit and clear; drug testing protocols were valid; tests revealed the presence of two substances; and proper authorities were exercised by the Stampede in the rendering of the disqualification.
Drug testing of the top two steers in the July 13 competition revealed the presence of two separate drugs (Ibuprofen and Flunixin) in the Grand Champion steer. Event rules clearly state all animals are to be presented without any alterations to their physiological state and free of violative drug residues as the competition is designated “terminal”, meaning the Champion Steer enters the food system. The two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that were detected are prohibited in any quantity under event rules.
“This was a serious yet simple issue,” said Paul Rosenberg, vice-president, Programming. “The steer was disqualified for a violation relating to two separate drugs within the animal’s system. It’s our responsibility to facilitate a fair competition with high ethical standards for our human participants and high quality care for all animals.”
“Our commitment to due diligence means that we’ve addressed a number of issues over the last few weeks including a review of our drug testing protocols that verified three important things: the testing methodology used is appropriate for bovine, blood sampling is valid for drug residue detection and cross-contamination did not occur,” said Rosenberg. “After reviewing the key elements of the decision, we are very confident with the original disqualification.”
For more information, please contact:
Kurt Kadatz, Communications Director
T 403.261.0110 C 403.461-6647
E kkadatz@calgarystampede.com
