The incident, which occurred on January 11 during a saddle bronc competition, has fueled ongoing tensions between supporters of the rodeo's cultural significance and critics who argue it poses unacceptable risks to animals. According to the San Diego Humane Society’s statement released today, the horse showed no visible signs of injury during the competition but began shaking approximately 15 minutes later. Despite an immediate response from on-site veterinarians and Humane Officers, the horse collapsed and died before treatment could be administered.Ìý
A necropsy revealed the horse was in her third trimester of pregnancy and died from a ruptured uterine artery, with the foal also perishing due to a subsequent uterine rupture. The investigation, which included collaboration with forensic veterinarians and a visit to the horse's ranch, found no evidence of criminal negligence or legal violations by the rodeo organizers or the horse's owner. However, the Humane Society noted that it remains unclear whether the competition directly caused the rupture, as the horse's advanced pregnancy may have made her more susceptible to such an injury.
The controversy surrounding the rodeo is not new. Last year's inaugural event at Petco Park, organized by the San Diego Padres and C5 Rodeo, drew scrutiny after a 6-year-old horse named during an Indigenous Relay Race, prompting protests and a lawsuit from animal rights groups alleging violations of municipal codes prohibiting non-service animals at the venue. Although C5 Rodeo claimed Waco Kid survived with no major injuries, their refusal to provide further updates fueled skepticism.Ìý
This year's incident has intensified the debate, with the Humane Society highlighting that both rodeos resulted in animal harm - Waco Kid’s injury in 2024 and the fatal 2025 case. Critics, including attorney and animal rights activist, Bryan Pease, representing animal advocacy groups, have called the Humane Society's findings "whitewashed," suggesting the bucking straps used in saddle bronc events may have contributed to the rupture, though this remains unproven.
Supporters, including the San Diego Rodeo Alliance and local Indigenous leaders, defend the event as a celebration of cultural heritage and a boost to tourism, with the city allocating $150,000 from the San Diego Tourism Marketing District for promotion. Councilmember Kent Lee's failed 2024 attempt to restrict rodeo practices, coupled with ongoing protests outside Petco Park, reflects a divided community. Fans praise the display of horsemanship, while activists label it cruel, arguing that legal practices - like the common use of pregnant horses in competitions for performance enhancement - do not equate to humane treatment.
The Humane Society, while acknowledging the legality of the event, has renewed its call for a citywide ban, urging community members to contact their councilmembers and the Padres to advocate for policy change. The organization emphasizes that the absence of criminal charges does not mitigate the inherent risks rodeos pose to animals, a stance that may shape future discussions as San Diego grapples with balancing tradition and compassion. With the investigation concluded, the focus now shifts to whether city leaders will act to prevent future rodeos at Petco Park.
The Humane Society, while acknowledging the legality of the event, has renewed its call for a citywide ban, urging community members to contact their councilmembers and the Padres to advocate for policy change. The organization emphasizes that the absence of criminal charges does not mitigate the inherent risks rodeos pose to animals, a stance that may shape future discussions as San Diego grapples with balancing tradition and compassion. With the investigation concluded, the focus now shifts to whether city leaders will act to prevent future rodeos at Petco Park.
For more information on the San Diego Rodeo, visitÌý.Ìý
Originally published on March 6, 2025.Ìý
