The Battle Begins at Padres Stadium Against a Rodeo Ban in San Diego

The San Diego City Council will face a decision soon led by one of their own, whether or not to ban any future rodeo from taking place inside the Padres Statium at Petco Park or to allow rodeos to continue inside city limits.

Courtney Kreider | Jan 18, 2024

Al Girard, PRCA Member

Those claiming to be 'animal rights' activists are pushing with full force against any and all rodeos within the City of San Diego, despite sold-out crowds showing up in support and an abundance of feedback showing San Diegans feel otherwise.

A sold-out crowd inside the Padres Stadium at Petco Park for the inaugural San Diego Rodeo. — A sold-out crowd inside the Padres Stadium at Petco Park for the inaugural San Diego Rodeo / Rob Riingen Photography

San Diego City Councilman Kent Lee announced Thursday he will introduce an ordinance banning rodeos in San Diego, citing animal cruelty.

Thursday afternoon, the Rodeo Alliance Committee, including tribal leaders, Welfare Consultant Jed Pugsley, and Chairman of the Charro Coalition of San Diego Ramon Jara, sent a statement on the proposed ban to SI Rodeo.

"Our collective coalition is disappointed with today's announcement. We view this as a direct attack against our cultural heritage and indigenous traditions. We are prepared and determined to mobilize against this bad policy decision, which is out of touch with our community's values."

The proposal to ban rodeos within the city limits will be introduced to the Land Use and Housing Committee, which Councilmember Lee chairs.

"Entertainment is not a justification for cruelty toward animals," Councilmember Lee stated. "Rodeos, with their common use of inhumane tools, perpetuate cruelty rather than genuine entertainment."

Livestock and Welfare Consultant Jed Pugsley had voiced his concerns before the rodeo took place over the weekend at Petco Park, knowing they were headed into a heated area. He explained that those in the Western industry are the biggest proponents of animal welfare.

"I think categorizing anyone involved in rodeo as an 'animal abuser' is a slap in the face," Pugsley stated.

The committee expects to know more about the proposed ban sometime this spring. This is a developing story. Follow SI Rodeo for updates.

Published Jan 18, 2024

COURTNEY KREIDER

Newly added to the team, Western Sports Writer Courtney Kreider is a former TV journalist, bringing eight years of broadcast experience to the world of rodeo. Known for her Emmy-nominated California wildfire coverage, Courtney’s passion for working the fire lines makes her a perfect match for the adrenaline inside the rodeo arena. The Western industry is also home to Courtney. Born and raised in the small town of Viola, Calif., her love for horses and the cowboy culture began as a little girl exploring the alluring backcountry in the northern part of the state. She works as a media relations coordinator for the Red Bluff Round-Up and serves as a spokesperson for the rodeo every April. Away from work, Courtney enjoys her time off the grid with her family in Montana, which she calls her second home. Majoring in Criminology in college, Courtney’s passion for humanizing the badge has brought close relationships with various municipalities throughout her career. Her genuineness is shown in her ability to go beyond the emergency or story at hand. This year, she covered the American Rodeo and the Wrangler National Finals and is coming off her first year dedicated to promoting our Western lifestyle.