Two state lawmakers in Pennsylvania plan to reintroduce legislation that restores local bans on rodeo. Last year a provision in the state budget allowed for certain companies to produce rodeo events in the state despite any local ban, and the proposed legislation would close that loophole.
Pennsylvania State Senator Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny) and State Rep. Dan Deasy (D-27) announced today they will reintroduce legislation to restore local bans on rodeo. Senator Williams first introduced the legislation last session.
Next weekend, PBR is set to run the first rodeo-related event in Pittsburgh since the city banned rodeo in 1992. Back then, Pittsburgh banned the use of spurs, flank straps and hot shots. That ordinance supposedly came after a bull broke his leg at an event. The bull was later euthanized.
A provision inserted into legislation last year allowed for certain companies and promoters to run rodeo events. Inserted into the 2024-25 budget bill, the provision allows rodeo companies to pick 12 calendar days per year to host ticketed events open to the public. During those 12 days, any local regulations do not apply.
The law only applies to companies that produce rodeos in 10 states, and in venues with over 2,500 in attendance. PBR championed the provision, and local media reported that PBR worked with a Pennsylvania lobbying firm to support the provision.
Pittsburgh is set to host the PBR Unleash The Beast tour at PPG Paints Arena next weekend. The bull riding competition will be the first rodeo-related event held in Pittsburgh in 30 years. PBR produced numerous events over the years in Pennsylvania, but not Pittsburgh.
“We are very excited to finally bring PBR’s elite tour to Pittsburgh,” PBR CEO and Commissioner Sean Gleason said last year in a press release. “Over the years, we’ve had consistent success throughout the region and state of Pennsylvania entertaining very passionate Western sports fans, and we look forward to seeing the world’s most talented bull riders and remarkable animal athletes providing more thrills inside PPG Paints Arena.”
Rodeos are also produced around the state by various stock contractors and companies.
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