Ogle County Weighs Response to Alleged Animal Abuse at Rodeo Event

OREGON – Ogle County officials are reviewing their options after reports of animal abuse at a June 15th rodeo event near Rochelle, where animal rights group SHARK claims several steers had their tails seriously injured, two more suffered leg injuries, and a horse was struck in the face. County Board Chair Bruce Larson said a letter to residents is being reviewed by attorneys and will be released soon. He noted that while horse tripping is banned under the state’s Humane Care for Animals Act, other actions, such as steer tailing, may not fall under that same law. A warning from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office about potential discrimination claims has made the issue more complicated as the county considers its next steps.