The recent death of a bucking horse named +H6 Cow Palace at the Gilroy rodeo on August 8 has sparked controversy over animal safety and injury reporting practices. The mare suffered a broken neck after falling during a performance, with rodeo officials stating the death was instantaneous and no veterinary treatment was possible, despite initial social media claims of expert care. Eyewitnesses, however, reported that veterinarians and staff responded promptly and provided care before transporting the horse. The incident has drawn criticism from animal welfare advocates, who highlight discrepancies in the rodeo’s statements and emphasize ongoing concerns about the inherent cruelty of rodeo events.

California law mandates immediate veterinary examination and injury reporting for rodeo animals, but no report was filed following this incident, as officials argued it was unnecessary due to the horse’s instantaneous death. The event has reignited debates about the ethics of rodeo, with critics condemning the sport for the stress and injuries inflicted on animals, particularly calves, while supporters defend rodeo’s cultural significance and commitment to animal welfare. As the community mourns the loss, questions persist about whether current safety measures sufficiently protect rodeo animals.