Speakers urge San Diego council to ban rodeos after video and testimony alleging animal abuse

A group of residents and animal-welfare advocates used the Jan. 23 public-comment period to press the San Diego City Council to support a proposed ban on rodeos after they showed video they said documented rough handling and mistreatment of animals at a recent rodeo event.

Several speakers played short video clips and told the council they had protested the event at Petco Park. "This is extreme violence that happened right here in our city," Rachel Hosler told the dais. Others argued the rodeo industry exploits indigenous culture to defend profit-driven shows and asked the council to reject arguments that cultural tradition justifies animal suffering.

Councilmember Kent Lee was singled out in public comment as a sponsor of a proposed ordinance to ban rodeos. Commenters urged members to support the councilmember's proposal and to adopt clearer protections for animals in city code.

The council did not take immediate action on a rodeo ban during this meeting; speakers were allowed the standard public-comment time and the topic will have to be taken up as a formal agenda item if councilors decide to advance an ordinance.

Ending: Advocates said they will follow up with the council and submit additional materials; the council did not schedule any specific committee action during this meeting.