GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. -- The Animal Humane Society is offering some legal clarity after animal rights groups protested a private rodeo in Andover Saturday that involved the sport of 'steer tailing'.
In the event, also called coleadero, mounted riders take turns chasing down steer, grabbing their tails, and spinning them to the ground.
Animal rights activist outside the event were firm with their opinion.
"This is about intentional animal cruelty and abuse," said Elisa Soper of Northwoods Animal Rescue Sanctuary.
Cattle rancher John Bowlins, who brought the steer from Missouri, couldn't disagree more.
"These are the toughest animals you've ever seen in your life. Nothing is going to hurt them," he said.
The Humane Society fielded several calls regarding animal abuse at this rodeo.
KARE showed the video to Senior Humane Officer Keith Streff.
He said although animals can and will get hurt at events like this, criminal animal cruelty really doesn't apply.
"Animal cruelty by Minnesota law is defined by pain, suffering and subsequent death or injury, and at the end of the day these animals appear to be relatively normal," said Streff.
The rodeo organizers filed and received a party permit for the event, according to Andover Mayor Mike Gamache.
Besides enforcing safety through party permits, Gamache said he's unsure what else the city can do.
"I don't know what kind of law or ordinance you could pass where you are saying 'if you can't do this type of action' how does that change from calf roping at a rodeo?" said Gamache.
In a statement to KARE, Rep. Peggy Scott, R-Andover, said, "Existing Minnesota law gives our local officials and law enforcement tools to prosecute instances of animal cruelty. If animal cruelty is occurring in our community, I expect local officials and law enforcement to promptly address it."
The Humane Society said until there's legislation passed specifically banning this sport, there's nothing they can do.
