Elected Officials and Animal Advocates Urge Immediate Agenda Action on Los Angeles Rodeo Ban

LOS ANGELES, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Last Chance for Animals (LCA) together with LA City Councilman Bob Blumenfield and a coalition of animal protection advocates, will hold a press conference and rally on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Los Angeles City Hall calling for urgent action to save a long-delayed rodeo ban ordinance from expiring without a vote.

The press conference is a direct appeal to the Arts, Parks, Libraries, and Community Enrichment Committee, and specifically Committee Chair Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, to place the ordinance on the agenda for the committee's June 23 meeting, so it can move forward to a full vote before the Los Angeles City Council.

The ordinance has been stalled for more than two years and is now at immediate risk of dying in committee if it is not scheduled before the Council adjourns for the summer. The June 23 meeting is the last opportunity for the committee to take up the ordinance and advance it to the full City Council for a vote.

The proposed ordinance would prohibit six of the most controversial rodeo events, including bull riding and calf roping - practices widely criticized by veterinarians and animal welfare experts for routinely causing severe injury, trauma, and death in animals used for entertainment and profit.

Councilmember Blumenfield, the sponsor of the ordinance, will speak at the press conference and will address key misinformation that has surrounded the measure. Opponents claim the ordinance would negatively impact Latino cultural traditions such as charreadas and escaramuzas. Blumenfield amended the ordinance specifically to exempt those cultural events, ensuring they are not affected.

The issue now comes down to process and timing. We are urging Chair Ysabel Jurado and the committee to put the ordinance on its agenda so it can finally be heard and voted on by the full City Council.

WHAT: Press conference and rally urging immediate committee action on Los Angeles Rodeo Ban Ordinance

WHO: Speakers available for on-camera interviews include:

• Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, Council District 3, ordinance sponsor
• Matt Rossell, Campaigns Manager, Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF)
• Madeline Bernstein, President, spcaLA
• Jane Velez-Mitchell, journalist and animal advocate
• Dr. Daniela Castillo, DVM

WHERE: South Lawn, Los Angeles City Hall
200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 (First Street side)

WHEN: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM

NOTES: Photos will be available immediately following the event for media unable to attend.

SOURCE Last Chance For Animals