Prince William and Kate's summer tour stop in Calgary is roping them into controversy on both sides of the Atlantic.
The Vancouver Humane Society and the British League Against Cruel Sports have both written the newlywed royal couple, asking them to shun the Calgary Stampede, including the Stampede parade.
The Vancouver Humane Society says that "rodeo is a brutal spectacle of cruelty that subjects animals to unnecessary pain, stress and fear."
They say that 80 animals have died in the Stampede since 1986.
"We are asking the royal couple to stay away from any actives related to the Stampede because it's going to be portrayed as an endorsement of the Stampede rodeo," Peter Fricker of the Vancouver Humane Society said.
Doug Fraser of the Stampede board says he agrees that the animals shouldn't be subjected to "fear, pain or stress.
"We are very proud of independent approach to animal care," he said.
The Stampede says that they have embraced new safety rules such as mandatory rest days for horses, changes to the chuckwagon events and additional animal checks by veterinarians.
As it does every year, the Calgary Humane Society provides on-site animal protection officers.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will spend three days in Calgary from July 6 - 8. The Stampede runs from July 8 - 17.
Adding to the intrigue is that rodeo has been banned in the U.K. since 1934, putting the couple in an awkward spot.
"It would be very odd for an heir to the British throne to be attending an event that was banned by an act of Parliament to which his great, great grandfather gave Royal assent almost 80 years ago," Steve Taylor, The League Against Cruel Sports spokesperson, told CTV Calgary.
"It would be almost the same as them going to a cockfight if they were to visit India."
The couple has not announced whether they will be involved with the Stampede, although organizers have said they have been invited.
