June 1, 2025
DEAR FRIENDS,
Last weekend was Memorial Day Weekend. And while many people enjoyed a three-day weekend, the SHARK was working every single day.
There were four events that we knew of, and we were at three of them. The fourth event, we got shut down! We sent a letter to the veterinarian that was scheduled to be at the event, and explained to her what happens at these events. With only one day to spare, the veterinarian canceled and informed the county, getting the permit revoked that day before the event.
We were at the other three events…but only one location knew we were there.
Since 2022, investigators for SHowing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) have used large, easily spotted drones to video document illegal animal abuse at steer tailing events in Illinois. Now the organization is changing its approach.
SHARK's "ghost drones" are very small, and extremely difficult to spot. "Operation Wraith" made its first appearance at a steer tailing event outside the town of Paw Paw, Illinois on Saturday, May 24, in Lee County, and a second steer tailing event in Lowell, Indiana on Monday, May 26. Because the drones were not spotted, the steer tailers did all the things they deny doing, and don't do when larger drones are in the air.
Abuses at these locations included steers being constantly shocked with large, painful electric prods, and horses being hit and slapped in the face, and being harshly reined, and injured animals receiving no veterinary care.
