San Diego Rodeo met with protests, allegations of animal abuse
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5 / KUSI) — As the San Diego Rodeo at Petco Park gets underway on Friday, protesters voiced concerns about allegations of animal cruelty ahead of the event.
The rodeo is also facing a lawsuit filed by the Animal Rescue League alleging animal abuse. The lawsuit could restrict the use of calves roping and strapping in rodeo, according to San Diego-based law firm Pease & Ijadi, APC.
San Diego Rodeo faces animal abuse lawsuit
“This is serious animal abuse,” said animal rights activist Ellen Ericksen. “For San Diego, allowing an event like this in a progressive city where animals should not be harmed is no way to promote the City of San Diego.”
A pregnant horse died from a ruptured uterine artery during last year’s rodeo; however, an investigation by the San Diego Humane Society could not conclusively determine whether the animal’s participation in the rodeo was a factor in the incident. The San Diego Humane Society also found that no laws were violated at the rodeo.
Investigation into Petco Park rodeo horse reveals cause of death
“This three-day event brings together people from all over the world and supports our local economy,” San Diego Rodeo said in a statement.
Protests will continue every day throughout the rodeo, and activists hope the judge’s decision will soon bring change to the event. In the meantime, Ericksen said they will continue to call on Petco Park and the city to address these concerns.
“We’re not going to leave it, we’re going to affect their business so people won’t come here anymore,” Ericksen said.
Following the controversy, one of the rodeo sponsors, the San Diego Tourism Marketing District, withdrew its financial support for the event.
“We are grateful to all of our sponsors and participants for their support of the 2026 San Diego Rodeo and look forward to another successful event at Petco Park for the third year in a row,” San Diego Rodeo said in a statement.
“This is a nice area for concerts and other activities, not for farm animals to be beaten and killed here,” Ericksen added.
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