Rodeos in Oklahoma have a notorious reputation for horse deaths, with 26 horses dying in just one year at the Checotah Round-Up in 2019.
The majority of these deaths are due to injuries sustained during events such as steer wrestling and bareback bronc riding.
Many of these horses are forced to continue competing despite their injuries, leading to further suffering and even death.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has raised concerns about the treatment of horses in rodeos, citing the high number of deaths and injuries.
Oklahoma Rodeo Horse Deaths
Up to 70 horses died at Beutler and Son Rodeo Company in Oklahoma after being fed tainted feed.
The tainted feed was contaminated with monensin, a toxic additive used to control parasites in animals, but deadly to horses.
Monensin is an animal feed additive that is used to control parasites and improve feed efficiency, but horses are extremely sensitive to it.
A unique perspective: Animal Control and Welfare Service
The feed was delivered to the rodeo company from a facility in Kansas.
A failed cleanout procedure and a sensor malfunction likely caused the contamination.
The company that provided the tainted feed has not been identified due to the ongoing investigation.
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry launched an investigation and collected a feed sample for analysis.
The investigation is ongoing and the department is working with the Kansas Department of Agriculture to get to the root cause of the problem.
The tainted feed was an isolated load from a single facility and no other batches had been contaminated or impacted.
The company, Livestock Nutrition Center, has taken responsibility for the incident and is working with state departments and the FDA to take corrective actions.
Livestock Nutrition Center has multiple locations across the United States and the tainted feed came from a location in Kansas.
The company has mills in Garden City and Overland Park, Kansas.
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry assisted Beutler and Son Rodeo Co. with carcass disposal to ensure all state regulations were adhered to.
State Veterinarian Dr. Rod Hall encourages all livestock and pet owners to be judicious in reviewing labels on feed provided to animals in their care.
Broaden your view: Washington State Animal Neglect Laws
Other Rodeo-Related Incidents
In addition to the deaths of rodeo horses, there are other concerning incidents that have been reported in the rodeo world.
Some rodeos have been criticized for their treatment of horses, with many claiming that the animals are subjected to inhumane conditions and treatment.
Rodeos have been accused of prioritizing entertainment value over animal welfare, leading to the mistreatment of horses.
The use of flank straps, which are used to stimulate a horse's digestive system and increase its adrenaline levels, has been a topic of controversy in the rodeo world.
These devices can cause physical pain and discomfort to the horses, and some have even been known to lead to colic and other serious health issues.
The American Rodeo Association has implemented some regulations to improve the treatment of horses in rodeos, but more needs to be done to address the issue of animal welfare in the sport.
Here's an interesting read: World Animal Protection Scandal
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the leading cause of horse death?
Colic is the leading cause of horse death, accounting for a significant percentage of equine deaths worldwide each year
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