Rodeo Ban Ordinance

It's been a year since we began advocating for a ban on rodeos in San Diego, and we're making progress! This Thursday, Council member Kent Lee's staff will take a significant first step by bringing the issue up for discussion as an agenda item, with a range of options on the table. They are proposing options that would not ban rodeos outright but would reduce the harm to animals such as banning inhumane tools and equipment, and limiting the distance that animals can be transported for rodeos.

We need your help to shape this ordinance and demonstrate that there is strong public support for ending animal cruelty at rodeos.

Here is the published document that describes the Item. There are a bunch of options, you can read at the aforementioned link.

 

Key Meeting Details:

• Date: Thursday, November 21

• Time: 1:00 PM

• Location: 202 C Street, 12th Floor, San Diego, CA

• Zoom Link: Join Zoom Meeting

• Phone Access: 1-669-254-5252 (Webinar ID: 161 286 5933#)

Agenda:

The Land Use and Housing Committee will be reviewing the Rodeo Ordinance as a discussion item (Agenda Item 3). While no vote will be taken at this meeting, four City Council members will be discussing options presented by Kent Lee’s staff and the San Diego Humane Society.

We encourage your organization to show up in full force to support the inclusion of strong options—particularly those that could effectively ban harmful rodeo practices. We are advocating for the option that would ban harmful activities (calf rooting, steer wrestling, bronc riding, etc) and implement robust protections for animals, in line with the most recent updates to the Los Angeles Rodeo Ordinance.

How You Can Help:

• Leave a agenda comment regardless if you plan to come or not to show your support:

  • Fill out the form here

  • 11/21/2024

  • Item Agenda 3

• Reach out to City Council Members: Here is a pre filled email link

• Attend in person: Fill out a speaker slip at the meeting to provide a brief comment - please email me if you plan to come (1-minute limit).

• Call in to speak: Use the Zoom link or phone number above to join and raise your hand when Agenda Item 3 is discussed.

• Spread the word: Share this meeting on your organization’s social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Nextdoor) to encourage others to participate.

Topics to speak on, or comment on:

Please review the published document outlining the options for more details about the proposed changes to the ordinance. Here are some topics and advice:

General Suggestions:

• If you are a San Diego City resident, please include your district when providing feedback.

• If you represent an organization or group (e.g., animal rights organizations, the Democratic Party, etc.), please mention that affiliation.

Suggested Discussion Topics:

1. Prioritize Prevention Over Consequence:
   Emphasize the need for ordinances that focus on prohibiting practices that inherently cause harm or suffering to animals, rather than only addressing the aftermath. For instance, the proposed Los Angeles ordinance bans harmful animal exhibition activities—such as bareback bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, team roping, and steer wrestling—that cause injury to animals. We should adopt similar measures in San Diego.

2. Address Animal Cruelty in Rodeos:
   Speak out against animal cruelty at rodeos and advocate for stronger protections for animals in such events.

3. Cultural Norms and Evolution:
   Argue that culture should not be used as a justification for animal abuse. Cultural practices can evolve, and animal welfare should be a priority in shaping the future of our traditions.

4. Financial Considerations:
   Suggest that organizations like the Padres could replace harmful events with more animal-friendly alternatives that align with a compassionate approach to entertainment.