Judge adds protections for San Diego Rodeo animals at Petco Park

3 weeks ago 17

A San Diego judge issued a mixed ruling this week in an animal rights lawsuit concerning rodeos staged at Petco Park, finding that pregnant mares should no longer be allowed to compete and that onsite medical equipment must be adequate and “comprehensive” enough to provide care for the large animals.

The 21-page statement of decision issued Tuesday by San Diego Superior Court Judge Joel Wohlfeil does not end the rodeos, which have been controversial. The judge noted that the purpose of the suit was to prohibit practices that “allegedly subject the animals to ‘needless suffering’ or ‘unnecessary cruelty.’”

Wohlfeil’s ruling comes after he presided over a bench trial earlier this month. Two animal rights groups had sued C5 Rodeo and the Padres, alleging unfair business practices. The groups pointed to what they said amounted to animal cruelty. Two horses were injured or died following performances at the events.

An animals rights protestor holds a sign outside Petco Park before the third annual San Diego Rodeo on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune) Read Entire Article