SAN DIEGO — Animal advocate groups filed a lawsuit Thursday to try and prevent a three-day San Diego Rodeo from being held at Petco Park in January.
Animal Protection and Rescue League, Inc. and Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) filed the suit against the San Diego Padres, C5 Rodeo and C5 Rodeo Company, Inc.
"There’s a reason the city of San Diego hasn’t had one of these cruel events since the 1980s. It’s because the San Diego Municipal Code has a number of provisions that prevent the exact types of things they’re planning on doing," said Bryan Pease, one of the attorneys representing the plaintiffs.
He said there are already laws on the books that prevent farm animals from being inside Petco Park, as well as on the nearby sidewalks and walkways.
He claims C5 Rodeo uses "torture devices" such as electric prods, shocking devices, bucking straps and sharpened spurs on the animals.
Pease said the city shouldn't have allowed the event here in the first place.
"They're trying to kind of ignore the problem, put the responsibility on the Padres, make sure they follow all laws and regulations but the fact is Petco Park is a city park. It's a city sports facility. There are specific regulations in the municipal code governing it," said Pease.
CBS 8 reached out to the Padres for comment Thursday and are still waiting to hear back. Last month, it sent us this statement:
“We have been assured by the group that is hosting this event that the safety, security and well-being of the contestants and livestock of the San Diego Rodeo are of the utmost importance. They are event professionals who are experts in livestock handling and care, as well as pre-event, event and post-event care for the contestants. Animal welfare is a major ongoing initiative of the professional sport of rodeo and the San Diego Rodeo, and the event hosts pledge to continue the strict enforcement of these rules and regulations.”
Mayor Todd Gloria's office said the city's only involvement in this event is during the permitting process. A spokesperson told CBS 8 that a permit application has not yet been submitted. However, applications can be submitted up to two weeks prior to an event.
C5 Rodeo did not respond for comment.
The rodeo is scheduled to be held from January 12-14.
Pease said he expects a judge to be assigned to this case Friday.
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