Tainted feed linked to death of 70 horses at Oklahoma ranch

Rhett Beutler, co-owner of Beutler and Son Rodeo Co., has expressed deep concern following the sudden deaths of approximately 70 horses at his facility near Elk City, Oklahoma. The cause of this tragic incident is suspected to be tainted feed, which the horses consumed shortly before their deaths.

In an interview with KFOR-TV, Beutler recounted the shocking moment they noticed the horses were falling ill. “We didn’t know what was going on; we just got the feed and started feeding it like always,” he said. “Then all of a sudden, we looked up and there were horses just falling over, dying.”

The feed in question was sourced from Kansas, and authorities from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture have already collected samples for testing in certified laboratories. The department is actively collaborating with officials from the Kansas Department of Agriculture to carry out a thorough investigation into the matter.

The emotional toll of the situation is palpable for Beutler. “All them horses are kind of like my kids; I’ve raised them from the time they were born,” he shared with KOKH-TV. “Once you lose one, that’s one too many.”

An inspection of the Beutler and Son facility took place on August 26, and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture has commenced a detailed investigation. This includes reviewing the company’s labeling and operating procedures, as well as their shipping records to determine if appropriate protocols were followed in producing and delivering the feed.

While the exact cause of the horse deaths has yet to be identified, equine specialist Kris Hiney from Oklahoma State University suggested a possible link to a certain feed mill. It’s speculated that a feed mill which also produces cattle feed might have contaminated the horse feed with Monensin, a common additive intended for cattle but highly toxic to horses. Hiney explained that Monensin adversely affects the cardiac tissues in horses, leading to rapid heart failure.

Despite the gravity of the situation, the specific feed company involved has not been disclosed due to the ongoing investigation. Dr. Gregg VeneKlasen, a veterinarian from Timber Creek Veterinary Hospital who attends to the Beutler horses, described the incident as a “tragedy” but opted not to comment further.

Founded in 1929 as Beutler Brothers, Beutler and Son Rodeo Co. has a long-standing history of supplying stock for rodeo events, including the prestigious National Finals Rodeo. In light of recent events, the company is set to provide the majority of stock for the Elk City Rodeo, starting Friday night. Elk City Rodeo board member Randy Hargis mentioned the activities slated for the event, including bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, and steer wrestling.

The deaths of the horses have not only raised serious questions about feed safety but have also left a community in mourning as they grapple with the loss of beloved animals. The investigation into what happened is ongoing, and stakeholders hope for clarity and resolution in the coming days.