A tragic incident in Oklahoma has left up to 70 rodeo horses dead, exposing critical flaws in feed safety standards and shocking the rodeo community.
At a Glance
- Up to 70 rodeo horses died in Oklahoma after consuming contaminated feed
- The feed manufacturer admitted the batch contained monensin, a substance toxic to horses
- The contamination likely resulted from a failed clean-out procedure and a sensor malfunction
- State and federal investigations are ongoing to address the issue and prevent future incidents
Tragedy Strikes Oklahoma Rodeo Company
The Beutler and Son Rodeo Co., a family-owned business supplying stock for rodeos since 1929, faced a devastating loss when dozens of their prized horses suddenly fell ill and died. The cause? Contaminated feed that contained a toxic substance called monensin, which is deadly to horses but commonly used in cattle feed.
Rhett Beutler, co-owner of the company, described the horrifying scene as horses began “falling over, dying” shortly after being fed. The incident has sent shockwaves through the rodeo community and raised serious questions about feed safety protocols.
After the deaths of as many as 70 horses, the owner of an Oklahoma rodeo company blames tainted feed https://t.co/I8Iotp1uXR
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) August 31, 2024
Investigation Uncovers Contamination Source
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF) launched an investigation on August 23 following reports of multiple dead animals related to a feed order for Beutler and Son Rodeo Co. The feed, originating from Kansas, was traced back to Livestock Nutrition Center, a company operating in several states including Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, and Oklahoma.
“We didn’t know what was going on, we just got the feed and started feeding it like always,” Beutler told KFOR-TV. “Then all of a sudden looked up and there was horses just falling over, dying.”
Preliminary tests indicated that the feed was contaminated with monensin, an ionophore used to control parasites in cattle but lethal to horses. Ronnie Castlebury, president of Livestock Nutrition Center, stated that the contamination was due to a failed cleanout procedure and a sensor malfunction at a single facility.
Ongoing Investigations and Industry Response
The incident has prompted a thorough investigation by state and federal authorities. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture is analyzing the feed in two state-certified laboratories and collaborating with the Kansas Department of Agriculture. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also involved in the investigation.
“We have initiated an investigation which includes labeling procedures, operating procedures and a review of their records to ensure the appropriate protocols were followed in producing and shipping the feed to Oklahoma,” said Kansas agriculture spokesperson Jamie Stewart./
Livestock Nutrition Center has assured that the contamination was an isolated incident and is working closely with state departments and the FDA to implement corrective actions. The company has also extended condolences to the Beutler family, acknowledging the profound loss of animals that have been bred and raised for rodeos for nearly a century.
Impact on the Rodeo Community
The loss of these horses has dealt a significant blow to the rodeo community. Beutler and Son Rodeo Co., which supplies stock for prestigious events including the National Finals Rodeo, now faces the challenge of rebuilding their herd. The incident has highlighted the deep connection between ranchers and their animals, as well as the economic impact of such losses on the rodeo industry.
“All them horses are kind of like my kids; I’ve raised them from time they were born,” Beutler told KOKH-TV. “Once you lose one, that’s one too many.”
As investigations continue, with results expected in the coming weeks, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of stringent quality control measures in feed production. It also underscores the need for enhanced safety protocols to protect the health and lives of livestock, particularly in an industry where animals are not just assets, but partners in a cherished American tradition.
