Actress Pamela Anderson poses at a news conference to announce the launch of the online social platform FrogAds.com in West Hollywood, California March 22, 2012. (Mario Anzuoni/REUTERS)

Actress and animal rights activist Pamela Anderson has written an open letter to a Canadian politician calling for a ban on chuckwagon racing at the famous Calgary Stampede.

The Baywatch star, a Canada native, has asked Premier Alison Redford to use her position to help outlaw the equestrian sport after three horses were killed at the annual rodeo festival in Alberta last week.

Another was severely injured in the race, in which teams of Thoroughbred horses pull wagons around a track at breakneck speeds.

Anderson writes, "This reckless event – in which horses are routinely killed – must come to an end. It's clear there's nothing that can make these races safe. The chuckwagon races must be eliminated once and for all. Can I please hear that you'll use your influence to convince Stampede organizers to do the right thing and permanently end these spectacles?"

Since 1986, 54 horses have died or been euthanized at the Calgary Stampede, reports the Associated Press.