Chapter 6.24 TREATMENT OF RODEO ANIMALS

Chapter 6.24
TREATMENT OF RODEO ANIMALS

Sections:

6.24.020 Large animal veterinarian required.

6.24.010 Humane treatment required.

All rodeo animals shall be treated humanely. No stimulants or hypnotics shall be given to any rodeo animal. The use of the following are prohibited:

A. Flank or bucking straps unless the strap is fleece-lined or neoprene-lined or, in the case of bull riding, a soft cotton rope at least 5/8 inches in diameter.

B. Electric prods or shocking devices, except if required for the safety of humans while (1) loading or unloading an animal into or out of a vehicle; or (2) moving an animal from place to place on the rodeo grounds. In no event shall any such device be used on an animal while in a chute or immediately prior to entering a chute. (Ord. 536 § 1, 2001)

6.24.020 Large animal veterinarian required.

A qualified, California licensed, large animal, noncontestant veterinarian shall be physically present throughout the duration of every event using rodeo animals. The veterinarian shall be given access to all areas of the rodeo grounds at all times, and shall have the right to examine any rodeo animal at any time without notice. The veterinarian shall declare unfit any rodeo animal that is unfit to participate in a rodeo event. No rodeo animal declared unfit by the veterinarian shall be used in any rodeo event. The veterinarian shall notify in writing the San Diego County Department of Animal Control of any rodeo animal which is treated inhumanely, or is used in a rodeo event after being declared unfit. (Ord. 536 § 1, 2001)

6.24.030 Notification and access.

The Humane Society of San Diego County and the San Diego County Department of Animal Control shall be notified in writing at least 14 days in advance of the dates upon which any rodeo is to be held. Proof of such notice shall be given to the City Clerk at the same time. The notice shall be given by the person, committee, or organization presenting the rodeo and shall include a written description of the animal events, a copy of the rules governing the events, the name, address, and license number of the rodeo veterinarian, and the dates of the rodeo. The duly authorized officers of the Humane Society and the Department of Animal Control shall be provided access to all areas of the rodeo grounds at all times and shall have the powers granted by Penal Code Section 597.1 to take charge of any animal which is unfit or is being treated cruelly. For said purpose, violation of PMC 6.24.010 shall constitute cruel treatment. (Ord. 536 § 1, 2001)

6.24.040 Duties and responsibilities.

It shall be the duty and responsibility of the person, rodeo committee, or other organization presenting the rodeo to ensure that the requirements of this chapter are fulfilled. Each such person, committee, or organization shall be subject to civil fine as shall be established by City Council resolution from time to time or any other civil remedy imposed for the violation of any provision hereof, whether the violation was committed by such person, committee, or organization, or by an agent, independent contractor, volunteer, or employee of such person, committee, or organization. Any person who directly commits any violation of this chapter shall be subject to all of the criminal and civil penalties provided in PMC 1.08.010. This section shall not create a private right of action. Any action created hereby shall be commenced only by the City Attorney. Any civil fine shall be payable to the City. (Ord. 683 § 28, 2008; Ord. 536 § 1, 2001)