Veterinarian Exposes Animal Suffering at San Bernardino Sheriff’s Rodeo: The Truth About “Guacamole Butt”
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – A recent investigation by Dr. Crystal Heath, DVM, Executive Director of Our Honor, and former Grand National rodeo queen contestant, documented conditions and poor animal stewardship at the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Rodeo. Heath’s footage shows a condition in rodeo bulls insiders call “guacamole butt.” This slang term for diarrhea in bucking bulls is a clear indicator of stress, digestive imbalance, parasites, or infection, raising questions about animal husbandry practices at rodeo events.
Dr. Heath, a licensed veterinarian, documented multiple bulls exhibiting “guacamole butt” during the rodeo. She emphasized that this condition is often a result of intense stress, bacterial imbalances, parasites, or viral infections, directly contradicting the image of healthy, well-cared-for animals often portrayed by rodeo organizers.
Even the probiotic company Ruma-zyme, which caters to rodeo participants, acknowledges the significant health toll these events take on animals. They state that "Bucking bulls experience digestive issues like bloating and diarrhea due to intense stress, stress from rodeo travel, and high-energy diets. These issues directly impact their performance in the arena." This admission further underscores the severity of the problem.
Dr. Heath challenged the notion that rodeo showcases "real ranching skills" and questioned whether such treatment aligns with responsible animal care. She pointed out the hypocrisy of celebrating practices in the rodeo arena that would be considered professional misconduct in a clinical veterinary setting. "If I were to do this to a calf I was treating and a client caught it on camera, I would likely have a board complaint filed against my license," she stated.
Beyond concerns about the health of the bulls, Dr. Heath also highlighted public health risks. She observed calves with symptoms of ringworm—a zoonotic disease transmissible to humans—participating in the rodeo, despite California rules explicitly prohibiting animals with communicable diseases from fairgrounds.
Our Honor is now calling on the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department to end its sponsorship and glorification of poor animal stewardship practices. Dr. Heath urged law enforcement to model courage and ethical treatment, rather than celebrating practices that compromise animal welfare and public health.
Our Honor is urging the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department to:
End its association with rodeos that cause animal and public health risks.
Commit to modeling evidence-based animal stewardship and responsibility in alignment with One Health principles in all public events.
Work with veterinarians and animal welfare professionals to develop community programs that showcase humanity’s obligation to protect the animals with whom we share this planet.
"The Sheriff’s Department has an opportunity to lead," Heath added. "They can show that real strength comes from restraint, knowledge, and empathy — not domination."
For high-resolution photos and videos documenting these observations, please visit here.
