Re “Horse’s death at Petco Park rodeo sparks Humane Society investigation” (Feb. 3): The San Diego Rodeo Alliance’s Jed Pugsley calling the death of an innocent 16-year-old horse “an

The 16-year-old bucking male horse died shortly after competing in a saddle bronc event on Jan. 11, according to a report from Dr. Tim Eastman, the attending veterinarian at the rodeo. While the horse showed “no indication of illness or distress during the competition,

The San Diego Humane Society is investigating the death of a horse during last month’s rodeo at Petco Park to determine whether negligence or criminal intent played a role. The investigation comes as the Humane Society and animal rights activists continue to lobby San Diego officials either to ban rodeos within city limits or to significantly restrict how animals can be treated during such