A teenage girl has been arrested after three horses were allegedly injured with a sharp object during a major equestrian competition in Las Vegas, authorities said.
Las Vegas police responded to a barn early Saturday and found three horses suffering from non-life-threatening wounds. Investigators believe the suspect, who had access to the barn, may have used a knife to injure the animals.
The teen, a competitor in the National Barrel Horse Association’s Professional’s Choice Vegas Super Show, was later taken into custody at a nearby hotel. She faces multiple felony charges related to animal cruelty and property damage.
Horses Unable to Compete
Officials said the injuries are not expected to be fatal but prevented the horses from participating in the weekend event.
The National Barrel Horse Association said it worked with law enforcement and event organizers to address the incident and ensure the safety of all horses.
Owner Calls Incident ‘Devastating’
The owner of one injured horse, named Detail, described the attack as heartbreaking, saying the horse is both a companion and competitive partner.
The owner also alleged the suspect had followed her on social media and met her and the horse at the event shortly before the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing. For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.