spcaLA advises public to contact Council reps, fight for animals is not over

Los Angeles, CA — The Los Angeles City Council voted 14-0 yesterday asking the City Attorney’s Office to draft an ordinance outlawing rodeos within the City. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) President, Madeline Bernstein spoke in favor of the ordinance, both at a rally before the Council Meeting and in City Council Chambers, at the behest of ordinance sponsor, Councilmember Bob Blumenfield.

The ordinance, with amendments, includes exceptions for equestrian and cultural events, as long as riders do not participate in activities that physically “take down” an animal, rope an animal, or attempt to ride a bucking animal, specifically referring to events like bareback bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, and steer wrestling.

“I have heard that some believe the rodeos are ‘not cruelty, it’s culture’,” said Madeline Bernstein, spcaLA President. “I say, culture cannot hide cruelty. The fact is, this is animal cruelty and animal cruelty is against the law.”

Tuesday’s vote may not be the end of the battle. It is thought that the pro-rodeo factions may seek to alter the language of the ordinance prior to the final vote. spcaLA asks animal welfare advocates to contact their Council Members in support of the ban.

A successful rodeo ban would add Los Angeles to a growing list of cities and countries like San Francisco and Pasadena, as well as Germany, the Netherlands and Brazil, where rodeo has been outlawed.