Additional Coverage:
A teenage girl has been arrested in connection with injuries inflicted on three horses at an equestrian competition in Las Vegas, authorities reported.
Police responded to a barn early Saturday morning, where they discovered that the horses had been deliberately injured with a sharp object. Investigators identified the suspect as a teenage girl who had access to the barn and is believed to have used a knife to wound the animals.
While the horses’ injuries were not life-threatening, officials noted that the wounds would prevent the animals from participating in the weekend’s National Barrel Horse Association Professional’s Choice Vegas Super Show.
The teenager, who was located at a nearby hotel, was taken into custody and booked on multiple charges, including 12 counts of willful and malicious harm to animals and three counts of felony malicious destruction of property valued over $5,000.
The NBHA confirmed that the suspect was a competitor in the event. In a statement, the organization emphasized that the situation was promptly addressed in collaboration with law enforcement, the South Point Hotel & Casino security, and other relevant parties. They also assured the public that all necessary measures have been implemented to safeguard the health and well-being of the horses involved.