It was an unusual scene outside Los Angeles City Hall Tuesday night. While protests outside city chambers are nothing new, this time demonstrators came on horseback—some in eye-catching charro suits.
The city council was voting on a controversial rodeo ban within city limits, introduced by Bob Blumenfield. Proponents say rodeos are an inhumane practice, cruel and outdated for a progressive city like Los Angeles.
The resolution was ultimately approved 14-0, with Nithya Raman absent. The city attorney will come back with an amendment to city law prohibiting "rodeos” along with "harmful practices, techniques and devices or rodeo-related events.” The proposed ordinance will then go before the council's Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee.
Mounted on a horse outside City Hall, protester Juan Diaz expressed the concerns of some Latinos in Los Angeles.
"There's no damage done to these horses," he said. "These horses are our life. We care for these animals as if they were our family. So, if it dies out… where's our heritage going?"
The council did try to address cultural concerns, approving an amendment that includes exceptions for Mexican Charrería and other cultural or indigenous events. The amendment was introduced by Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who represents parts of the San Fernando Valley.
Los Angeles is just the latest jurisdiction to crack down on the herding and roping sport. Last year, Alameda County banned wild cow milking along with the use of spurs, ropes, or bucking straps at rodeo events. Previously, the county outlawed mutton busting.