Animal advocates in Los Angeles are intensifying their efforts to pass a proposed rodeo ban that has remained stalled in committee for two years. During a recent meeting of the Arts, Parks, Libraries and Community Enrichment Committee, advocates urged the three-member panel to move the proposal forward to the full council before its expiration on July 18.
The Case for Animal Protection
Advocates argue that rodeos result in the suffering and deprivation of animals. Kim Jett, the executive director of Animal Defenders International (ADI), stated that ongoing studies highlight how the mental and physical health of animals used in entertainment are “inevitably compromised.”
Jett further noted that horses and bulls are often tormented in the shoots before being released into the ring, and that riders use spurs to dig into an animal’s flesh.
“Their mental and physical health are inevitably compromised. Bulls and horses tormented in the shoots prior to being released into the ring. Riders dig spurs into the animal’s flesh,” Jett said.
Matt Rossell, campaign manager for the Animal Legal Defense Fund, expressed concern that these “violent events” are presented as family-friendly, which could confuse children regarding animal cruelty. Eric Shabsis of Last Chance for Animals also highlighted a letter signed by more than 40 animal rights organizations supporting the mission.
Defining the Ban and Cultural Protections
The proposed ordinance, which stems from a December 2023 motion by Councilman Bob Blumenfield, seeks to define a rodeo as an “exhibition, performance, or competition for live public entertainment.” The ban would specifically target activities such as bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping, and bareback or saddle bronc riding.
To address community concerns, Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez has introduced an amendment to provide potential carve-outs for cultural activities. This could protect events like Mexican Charreria, Escaramuza, and Indigenous or Native American rodeos, provided they do not involve the prohibited activities. For instance, choreographed riding to music or trick roping that does not involve lassoing animals would not fit the definition of a rodeo.
Industry Opposition and Economic Concerns
The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) circuit, which has held events at the Crypto.com Arena, remains a vocal critic of the ban. PBR officials describe their events as an “athletic excitement” experience that showcases “extraordinary human and animal athletes.”
PBR CEO Sean Gleason argued against the ban, suggesting that attempts to “cancel cowboy culture” are based on misinformation. He also noted that the organization’s return to Los Angeles could inject millions of dollars into the city’s economy.
“Now more than ever, we should embrace the cowboy values of hard work, honesty, and respect — not attempt to cancel cowboy culture and sports based on misinformation,” Gleason said.
The Path Forward
The future of the ordinance now rests with the Arts, Parks, Libraries and Community Enrichment Committee, chaired by Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado. Jurado’s office stated that the committee is taking a “thorough and deliberate approach” to review the proposal’s history and potential impacts, though no meeting date has been confirmed.
The timeline remains tight, as the measure could expire if the committee does not act. If the committee decides to move the proposal forward, it could proceed to a vote by the full council; however, if no action is taken by July 18, the ban may fail to be implemented.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the proposed rodeo ban expire? The proposed ban is set to expire on July 18.
What specific activities would be included in the ban? The ordinance targets activities involving physically taking down, roping, or attempting to ride a bucking animal, such as bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, and bronc riding.
Are there any exceptions for cultural events? Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez has proposed amendments to allow for cultural activities, such as Mexican Charreria and Indigenous Rodeos, as long as they do not include the prohibited activities.
How should cities balance animal welfare concerns with established cultural traditions?
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