Legal Update: San Diego Padres and C5 Rodeo Hit With Another Lawsuit

Following the inaugural San Diego Rodeo in January of 2024, the City of San Diego declared its intention of a rodeo ban on all future rodeos within city limits. While unsuccessful, a new lawsuit was filed targeting the rodeo on Feb. 15.

Riley Smoller Photography

Ahead of the San Diego Rodeo, which took place at Petco Park this last January, animal rights groups had lobbied the San Diego Padres to cancel it.

Unsuccessful, those claiming to “protect animals” also sued the major league baseball team in November. The lawsuit claimed that rodeos incorporate equipment used to “shock” horses in such a manner that violates the California penal code.

The Padres responded in a press release prior to the rodeo happening with a confident statement supporting the event.

“We have been assured by the group that is hosting this event that the safety, security, and well-being of the contestants and livestock of the San Diego Rodeo are of the utmost importance. They are event professionals who are experts in livestock handling and care, as well as pre-event, event, and post-event care for the contestants.” - San Diego Padres

Since the rodeo, an alliance has been created in hopes of getting in front of “misguided policy” and legal battles foreseen in the near future.

The San Diego Rodeo Alliance is comprised of several indigenous members, including the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, the Barona Band of Mission Indians, and the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, as well as C5 Rodeo Company, the Charro Coalition of San Diego, and the many other organizations and individuals.

The group states their priority is “dedicated to responsible practices & preserving our cultural heritage.”

The new legal battle includes a lawsuit that was set for a hearing on Feb. 15, 2024, in San Diego County. The lawsuit was filed against both the Padres and C5 Rodeo Company by a nonprofit called Animal Protection and Rescue League and an Illinois corporation known as “SHARK,” which stands for “Showing Animals Respect and Kindness.”

The legal efforts aim to stop further rodeos from happening within city limits. Annual rodeos have taken place in the County of San Diego for decades and will continue this season, including the Lakeside Rodeo, Poway, and Ramona. However, the rodeo at Petco Park was the first held in the city since the 1980s.

Various California rodeo associations have also been actively in conversation with the alliance to support their efforts including the Golden State Gay Rodeo, and Bill Pickett Rodeo, which is a living testament to the history of Blacks in the American West.

After a sold-out crowd all three days and requests for the San Diego Rodeo 2025, the alliance group formed a petition for those in support of the rodeo to sign.

“Join us in opposing this misguided effort and preserving our traditions – rooted in generations of heritage and unwavering commitment to animal welfare,” the petition reads.

To sign the petition in support of the San Diego Rodeo, click here.