Additional Coverage:
Rhett Beutler, who co-owns Beutler and Son Rodeo Co., suspects contaminated feed led to the death of up to 70 horses last week. Beutler, whose company has been an iconic name in rodeo stock near Elk City, Oklahoma, for nearly a century, recounted to KFOR-TV the sudden death of the horses shortly after consuming the feed.
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, which is investigating the incident alongside the Kansas Department of Agriculture, reported that the feed came from Kansas. They have taken samples of the feed for analysis at two state-certified labs.
Speaking to KOKH-TV, Beutler expressed his devastation, likening the loss of each horse to losing a child. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture confirmed their inspection of Beutler and Son on August 26 and has launched a detailed inquiry into the procedures followed in the production and distribution of the feed.
Kris Hiney, an equine extension specialist from Oklahoma State University, explained to KFOR-TV that the feed might have been cross-contaminated at a mill also processing cattle feed containing Monensin. This additive, while used for controlling parasites in cattle, is lethal to horses, potentially causing rapid onset heart failure.
Details about the feed provider remain undisclosed due to the ongoing investigation. Dr. Gregg VeneKlasen from Timber Creek Veterinary Hospital, who services the Beutlers’ livestock, remarked on the situation calling it a tragedy but declined to comment further.
Founded in 1929, Beutler and Son has a longstanding history of supplying stock for prominent rodeos, such as the National Finals Rodeo. Despite the recent tragedy, the company will supply the majority of stock for the upcoming Elk City Rodeo, confirmed by rodeo board member Randy Hargis. The event promises traditional rodeo activities including bareback horse riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, and steer wrestling.