Regarding “Over Animal Rights Advocates’ Objections, City Approves $150,000 to Promote Controversial Rodeo” (Nov. 1): Thanks for reporting on the San Diego Tourism Marketing District’s decision to award $150,000 in public funds to the Padres for next year’s rodeo.

I was surprised to learn a few things from this decision. First, the Padres, a billion-dollar organization, obviously need financial support to promote an event they already sell tickets to, whether public money is involved or not.

Second, when asked about measures to protect the welfare of the animals, the Padres pushed the responsibility squarely to the rodeo organizers, who claim that animals are treated well. Yet video evidence at the same meeting revealed instances of animal injury at this year’s rodeo.

—Cece Smith, Tierrasanta