A group of animal advocates called on the City Council Tuesday to take action on a proposed rodeo ban that has been stalled in committee for two years.
During Tuesday’s Arts, Parks, Libraries and Community Enrichment Committee meeting, advocates urged the three-member panel to take up the proposed ban before it expires July 18, and forward it to the full council for consideration.
“(Animal Defenders International’s) ongoing studies highlight the abuse, deprivation, and suffering of animals used in entertainment,” Kim Jett, executive director of ADI, said.
“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 added.
Matt Rossell, campaign manager for the Animal Legal Defense Fund, said rodeos terrify and provoke animals for entertainment, leading to sore ligaments, broken bones and sometimes death.
“It’s all happening in public view. These violent events are called family friendly, but adults at rodeos should not be encouraging children to be confused about animal cruelty,” Rossell said.
He noted that Pasadena and Irvine have already passed bans on rodeos, and its time for LA to step up.
In December 2023, the City Council approved a motion introduced by City Councilman Bob Blumenfield. The motion directed the City Attorney’s Office to draft a proposed ban on rodeos within city limits.
The ordinance is expected to define a rodeo as an “exhibition, performance, or competition for live public entertainment.” Specifically, any events that are outlined in the state’s law on the same issue, including bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping, or other event or activity that involves physically taking down an animal, roping an animal, or attempting to ride a bucking animal.
City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, who represents northeast San Fernando Valley neighborhoods, which include Latino and equestrian communities, introduced an amendment for potential carve outs for cultural activities from the ban such as American Indian, Native American, Indigenous Rodeo, Mexican Charreria and Escaramuza events that do not involve the prohibited aforementioned rodeo activities. For example, the trick roping that is performed by horse riders without lassoing animals or choreographed riding to music would not fit the definition of rodeo.
Since then, the matter has been on hold with supporters of the ban waiting on elected officials to take the next steps.
City Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado, who was elected in 2024, serves as the chair of the Arts, Parks, Libraries and Community Enrichment Committee. The draft ordinance is expected to come to her committee first before moving to the full council.
“Because this item was introduced after Council member Jurado took office, our office has taken a thorough and deliberate approach to reviewing the proposal and meeting with community stakeholders to fully understand its history, cultural context and potential impacts,” according to a statement from Jurado’s office Tuesday.
“We do not have a confirmed meeting date for this item at this time,” the statement continued.
Meanwhile, Blumenfield reiterated that his goal is to prevent animal cruelty, as “has been known to happen at large rodeos.”
“Contrary to opponents’ mischaracterizations, this draft ordinance specifically has nothing to do with horses. It has been tailored to be narrow in scope, and the council unanimously approved directing the City Attorney to draft it,” Blumenfield said in a statement.
Critics of the proposed rodeo ban include the Professional Bull Riders, which previously conducted events at downtown’s Crypto.com Arena.
PBR officials have said their event showcases the world’s best bull riders trying to hang onto the rankest bulls for eight “wild” seconds, a “mashup of athletic excitement wrapped into an amped-up, award-winning entertainment experience.”
Representatives for PBR have previously refuted criticisms about rodeos.
The organization did not immediately respond to a request for comment.