Alameda County board bans ‘‘mutton‑busting’’ sheep‑riding at county rodeo events

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance on Nov. 19 that amends the county code to prohibit the practice commonly called "mutton‑busting" — children riding sheep at rodeo events — in unincorporated Alameda County.

The second reading and adoption of the ordinance (item 18) followed public testimony from both sides. Eric Mills, coordinator for Action for Animals, told the board the ban would "protect children" and "protect animals," urging supervisors to back the amendment. Agricultural and rodeo community speakers countered that the issue directly affects regional agricultural culture and urged the board to seek more study through the Agricultural Advisory Committee or the specific district advisory councils before banning the practice outright.

Supervisor Meyler said she planned to vote against the ordinance and urged further review by the county's Ag Advisory Committee and the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council, arguing that weight limits and guidelines could mitigate risks. Supervisor Chan moved to waive the balance of the second reading and move to adoption; Supervisor Chan's motion was seconded and the ordinance passed with a 3–1 vote and one supervisor excused.

The ordinance text amends section 5.08.0.175 of the Alameda County General Ordinance Code to prohibit sheep riding at rodeo events in the unincorporated county; the clerk read the ordinance language during the meeting. Proponents cited support letters from veterinary and animal‑welfare organizations; opponents asked for localized study and emphasized agricultural heritage.

Next steps: The ordinance was adopted at the Nov. 19 meeting and will be applied in the unincorporated areas as written in the county code. Supervisors who opposed the adoption urged future reviews and recommended possible future dialogue with agriculture advisory bodies.

Quote examples from the meeting: Eric Mills said the ban "protects children. It protects animals." A Castro Valley speaker urged the board to defer to the Ag Advisory Committee and said, "This issue should only be left to the districts that it applies to."