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Residents urge Gaithersburg council to press for a ban on rodeos at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
Summary
Multiple residents and online commenters asked Gaithersburg's council to seek a prohibition on rodeo events at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, citing animal welfare concerns and referencing other cities that have limited similar events.
During the public‑comment portion of the March 2, 2026 meeting, numerous speakers urged the Gaithersburg mayor and council to take action to stop rodeo events at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, saying common rodeo practices cause unnecessary pain and risk to animals.
In‑person commenter Ken Ays said the 2026 fair schedule includes two rodeos, double last year's number, and described calf roping and mutton‑busting as harmful practices. Online and in‑person speakers, including Faith Mackey, Sage, Sonia, Katie Wit and others, described the use of flank straps, electric prods and high‑speed roping and said injuries and deaths at rodeos are documented and predictable outcomes. Several speakers pointed to precedents in other jurisdictions that have restricted rodeo practices and asked Gaithersburg to extend the same protections that previously led the city to ban exotic animal displays at the fair.
Council discussion recognized the public concern. Council Member Rob (speaking from the dais) said he values agricultural heritage and does not necessarily oppose all animal activities tied to agriculture, but asked staff to investigate the specific practices described by commenters and report back. City Manager Tanisha said the Gaithersburg Police Department's animal control officers inspect livestock at the fair, review state permits, verify vaccination and veterinarian documentation for pony rides, and said the State assigns a fair inspector to support local animal control. The council did not take formal legislative action at the meeting; staff were asked to return with findings.
Because the fair is a county event, several speakers said they were also engaging county officials. Members of the public asked the city to be consistent with prior animal‑welfare decisions and to consider expanding prohibitions beyond the prior ban on exotic animal displays to include rodeo practices that rely on deliberate animal distress for entertainment.
