Harrisburg, Pa. − January 17, 2025 − Senator Lindsey M. Williams (D-Allegheny) and Rep. Dan Deasy (D-27) announced today that they will reintroduce legislation that would repeal a state preemption of local rodeo bans ahead of the first scheduled rodeo event in Pittsburgh in over 30 years. This legislation was introduced by Senator Williams last Session as Senate Bill 412.
Pittsburgh banned the use of electric prods, spurs, and straps in 1992, following an incident during a rodeo that resulted in a bull being euthanized. This equipment ban became a de facto rodeo ban, which was in place for over 30 years, until the passage of the 2024-25 state budget in July 2024. Just a few hours before the budget was voted on, a provision was quietly inserted into the 140-page Fiscal Code that allows certain rodeo-hosting companies to hold ticketed, public rodeo or rodeo-related events on up to 12 days per year. During those 12 days, any local rodeo regulations shall not apply. There was no public input or consultation with stakeholders prior to the inclusion of this preemption of local law in the budget.
Only days after the budget was passed, hedge fund billionaires scheduled Pittsburgh’s first rodeo for January 2025.
“People are frustrated with how government is working, and they do not like to see corporate interests buying influence and access,” said Senator Williams. “There was no reason for the state to override Pittsburgh’s ability to regulate rodeos within its own boundaries, except that it resulted in a financial windfall for a small subset of private companies. This is a clear example of the state legislature overstepping local control, and it was done with zero transparency or accountability.”
“The state legislature should not be in the business of overriding local authority, especially with little to no input from those municipalities,” Rep. Deasy said. “Just as important, the safety of attendees as well as the safety of the animals should be at the forefront. The city decided years ago that they are not willing to risk either. They made an informed decision. That decision should stand.”
Animal rights organizations applaud the forthcoming legislation. “On behalf of Humane Action Pennsylvania, we extend our deepest gratitude to Senator Lindsey Williams and Representative Dan Deasy for their leadership in working to abrogate the language repealing Pittsburgh’s long-standing ban on instruments used to inflict pain on rodeo animals,” said Natalie Ahwesh, Executive Director of Humane Action Pittsburgh. “For over 30 years, our city has stood firm in protecting these animals from the cruel practices associated with rodeos, such as electric shocks, and this legislation works to honor the values of compassion and local autonomy that we hold dear. This is a vital step toward upholding humane protections across the Commonwealth, and we are incredibly thankful for their efforts to safeguard the progress we’ve made.”
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