Vancouver Humane Society pleased Bell not sponsoring Stampede rodeo this year

CALGARY – Telecommunication giant Bell is not sponsoring any rodeo events at the Calgary Stampede this year, but won’t say whether an animal welfare group’s letter-writing campaign had anything to do with the move.

The Vancouver Humane Society launched the e-campaign in June 2011, urging the public to demand Bell (TSX:BCE) stop sponsoring the rodeo.

The society has long been a critic of the Stampede, saying animals are needlessly harmed in many events.

The campaign included a pre-written letter that could be sent to Bell chief executive George Cope.

Humane Society spokesman Peter Fricker says he hopes the campaign made a difference with Bell.

Bell spokeswoman Jacqueline Michelis says the company is still a sponsor of Calgary’s week-long party, presenting free live entertainment at the Bell Centennial Plaza on the Stampede grounds, but she wouldn’t say why it’s not sponsoring rodeo events this year.