OKLAHOMA CITY — A nearly century-old Oklahoma company that supplies stock for rodeos had as many as 70 horses die a week ago after receiving what an owner believes was tainted feed.
Rhett Beutler, co-owner of Beutler and Son Rodeo Co. near Elk City, told KFOR-TV that the horses died shortly after being fed.
“We didn’t know what was going on, we just got the feed and started feeding it like always,” Beutler said. “Then all of a sudden looked up and there was horses just falling over, dying.”
Beutler and Son officials did not immediately return messages seeking comment Friday.
“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.”
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry said in a statement that it was notified Aug. 23 of the horses’ deaths related to a bulk order of feed and has opened an investigation.
“An inspector visited the Beutler and Son site on behalf of the department on Monday, August 26, and learned that the feed originated in Kansas,” according to the statement. “The ODAFF inspector collected a feed sample which is being analyzed in two state-certified laboratories.”
The department said it is working with the Kansas Department of Agriculture to investigate the company that provided the feed.
“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.
The company that provided the feed has not been identified because of the ongoing investigation, Stewart said.
Dr. Gregg VeneKlasen, of the Timber Creek Veterinary Hospital, the Beutlers’ veterinarian, declined to comment on the deaths other than to call it a “tragedy.”
Beutler and Son was founded in 1929 as Beutler Brothers near Elk City, about 105 miles (169 kilometers) west of Oklahoma City, and provides stock for rodeos, including the National Finals Rodeo.
The company is providing the majority of stock for the Elk City Rodeo starting Friday night, according to Elk City Rodeo board member Randy Hargis, who said the events include bareback horse riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding and steer wrestling.
An Oklahoma rodeo company is facing a devastating loss after up to 70 of their horses have allegedly died due to tainted feed. The company, which has not been named, reported that the horses began showing symptoms of illness after consuming a new batch of feed that was delivered to their stables.
According to reports, the horses experienced symptoms such as colic, diarrhea, and lethargy shortly after consuming the feed. Despite efforts to treat the sick animals, many of them succumbed to their illnesses within a matter of days.
The company has since launched an investigation into the source of the tainted feed and has halted all shipments from the supplier in question. They are also working closely with local authorities and veterinary experts to determine the exact cause of the deaths and prevent any further incidents.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and quality of animal feed. Tainted feed can have serious consequences for livestock, leading to illness, death, and financial losses for farmers and ranchers.
In response to this incident, animal welfare advocates are calling for stricter regulations and oversight of the animal feed industry to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. They are urging companies to thoroughly vet their suppliers and conduct regular testing of feed samples to ensure that they are free from harmful contaminants.
As the investigation into the deaths of these horses continues, the Oklahoma rodeo company is mourning the loss of their beloved animals and working to ensure the safety and well-being of their remaining livestock. They are also reminding other horse owners to be vigilant about the quality of their feed and to report any suspicious or concerning incidents to authorities.
In the wake of this tragedy, it is clear that more needs to be done to protect the health and safety of animals in the agriculture industry. By raising awareness about the risks of tainted feed and advocating for stronger regulations, we can help prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
