Re Over animal-rights advocates’ objections, city OKs $150,000 to promote controversial rodeo (Nov. 1): Leading the way in societys growing recognition of animal welfare, numerous cities have enacted rodeo prohibitions or restrictions. These include Pasadena and Irvine; Pittsburgh; Fort Wayne, Indiana; and St. Petersburg, Florida.

Inexplicably, San Diego is moving in the opposite, darker direction. And astoundingly at a ballpark bearing the name of Petco, supposedly a purveyor of animal love and concern.

At the tourism marketing board meeting, despite having viewed clips of several injured animals and a likely dead horse at last Januarys rodeo, the board lamely accepted the Padres spokespersons assurance that rodeos treat their animals to the highest welfare standards.

What wasnt stated was that the federal Animal Welfare Act exempts rodeos from the protections it provides to other animals.

Instead of a frightened calf, if a cowboy were to lasso a dog or cat, running at full speed, around the neck and jerk it to the ground, hed be arrested, not awarded prize money.

— Mike Weinberg, Downtown San Diego