Allegations of Animal Abuse Spark Outrage at Will County’s Rodeo Venue

In a gripping pursuit of justice, the officials of the Will County government have pulled legal swords against animal abuse. Animal welfare besides being a moral imperative is also a legal responsibility under most jurisdictions.

A somber battle for animal welfare has sparked between Joliet’s Rodeo Arena and the Will County officials.

Joliet Rodeo Faces a Legal Wrath

Recently, a popular Joliet Rodeo in Illinois has been temporarily restrained from functioning. Allegations regarding animal abuse were filed against the operator of the rodeo by an organization.

Toni Renken, an assistant state’s attorney, acted as the catalyst behind this legal maneuver. Renken is working under the banner of Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow.

The complaint shed light on the troubling accusations of animal abuse. This had cast a shadow over the La Herradura De Joliet rodeo venue, located at 18225 Briggs St. in Joliet.

A video was submitted as legal proof against the rodeo where a steer could be seen suffering from a serious leg injury during a rodeo act on Joliet Labor Day.

The allegations do not end with that. The organization ‘Showing Animals Respect and Kindness’ or SHARK is led by Steve Hindi. Steve Hindi revealed that he saw instances of “hitting horses in the head, tail grabbing, cattle prodding and horse tripping” on August 15, 2023. The act is punishable by offense according to Section 5.01. (against Horse poling or tripping).

According to Hindi, the animals were not receiving proper care and attention the day he visited. He further added the experience at the rodeo as he stayed there for three hours. He said, “He should’ve been secluded if a vet is not on site, the vet should have been called immediately and the animal needs to be put down. It did not happen. It certainly did not happen in the nearly three hours that we were there.”

Legal Clash Over Animal Welfare

According to reports, the government has taken legal action against the alleged mistreatment of animals at the Rodeo. The situation escalated to such a height that an emergency petition was filed against the Horseman Association Club of the North of Joliet, Illinois. 

Read More: Watch: Rodeo Under Fire After Drone Reveals Animal Cruelty in Chicago

The attorney from the association’s side, Frank Cservenyak, denied the animal abuse allegations from Glasgow’s side saying, “I’m confident that my client is not doing anything illegal”.

The next date for the hearing of the case has been set for November 1. Judge John Anderson mandated the state attorney to file a verified complaint on the day of the last hearing. The association also agreed to refrain from animal abuse besides having a vet in the rodeo premises.

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