October 4, 2023
DEAR FRIENDS,
We want to update you on our tireless fight against animal cruelty at rodeos in Illinois. We are taking on rodeos in Will, McHenry, Boone, LaSalle and Ogle Counties. SHARK's use of drone video has been instrumental in providing evidence to law enforcement and the media of these criminal acts against steers and horses.
These rodeos contract with an Iowa livestock company to bring healthy, young animals to Illinois only to inflict broken bones, degloving (where the skin is ripped off the end of the tail), broken horns, and other serious injuries. These rodeos do not provide any veterinary care, which is required under Illinois law. Rodeo riders grab their tails, an extension of the spine, twisting it around the contestants spurred boots, the contestant speeds off on his horse, slamming the steer violently to the ground.
These large animals are just racing for their lives. When a steers’ tail is degloved, it causes extreme pain and puts the animal at immense risk for infection. When an animal's horn is broken or damaged, it will remain that way forever. As an extension of the skull, horns are permanent, and do not grow back. Some animals are paralyzed, and left to suffer for hours without any care.
Chicago media has taken interest in reporting rodeo cruelty using SHARK's videos as evidence. And that has led to more interest by law enforcement. Just this week, Will County State's Attorney, James Glasgow, announced criminal charges against a rodeo rider who SHARK caught on video repeatedly whipping his horse, and others, in the face. See the FOX News story HERE
