Target: Todd Gloria, Mayor of San Diego, CA
Goal: Support legal protections for horses and other animals used at public venues.
San Diego’s inaugural rodeo event drew as much attention for the harmful accident that unfolded as it did for its supposed entertainment spectacles. A horse, Waco Kid, crashed into a fence after throwing his rider. “He was laying there twitching before he was carted out,” one spectator recalled of the horse’s condition.
In the wake of this disturbing event, the Petco Park rodeo drew outcries from animal rights advocates who worried about the potential for more endangering incidents and possible mistreatment of the animals. While attempts to enact an outright ban on the rodeo ultimately failed, advocates are still lobbying for a local ordinance that would crack down on animal cruelty in facilities owned by the city, including the rodeo venue.
Sign the petition below to support a step that could help curb animal welfare violations in the public sector.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mayor Gloria,
Electric prods, bucking straps, and other tools that can easily be turned into weapons on vulnerable animals are used and too often abused in the rodeo world. Many animals are also ill-prepared to deal with these highly stressful environments, as demonstrated when a horse suffered a serious injury during the first Petco Park rodeo.
As a council member aptly stated, “The City should not be in the business of profiting from inhumane animal practices.” If this locality is unwilling to ban rodeo activities, then the least it can do is approve and enforce an animal welfare ordinance that will enhance protections for animals residing and utilized in facilities owned by the city.
Please ensure that no living being is hurt or mistreated with San Diego’s implicit approval.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: James Teterenko
167 Signatures