Authorities say no charges filed in Rodeo investigation
Associated Press - July 4, 2007
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - A spokesman for the National High School Rodeo Association says he's confident no animal cruelty laws were broken at last year's finals rodeo in Springfield.
Authorities in Sangamon County have decided that no charges are being filed for alleged cruelty to bulls.
The investigation started when animal rights activists turned over video and photographs to the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
The footage showed riding bulls being poked with sharp objects, shocked and slapped during the competition at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
But authorities say they've been unable to identify anyone linked to the alleged cruelty.
The rodeo association's executive director Kent Sturman says the organization conducted its own investigation and found no wrongdoing linked to animal cruelty.
