Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Horse trippers saddled with county law

The Clark County Commission outlawed horse tripping for entertainment or sport in unincorporated areas after representatives of state horse groups spoke out at an emotional hearing.

Visibly shaken after viewing a three-minute videotape produced by KLAS Channel 8 showing frightened horses, the commissioners voted 6-0 Tuesday to ban the so-called sport that involves lassoing the legs of a galloping horse. The animals often fall on their heads, breaking their necks.

State Sen. Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, who attempted unsuccessfully to pass a statewide ban in the 1995 Legislature, vowed to bring the measure to the 1997 session after the county hearing.

Although Titus introduced a bill based on neighboring states' laws, it was referred to the Natural Resources Committee, chaired by Sen. Dean Rhoads, R-Tuscarora. It never got out of committee.

A specific prohibition on horse tripping is important because laws banning cruelty to animals are vague, Titus said. Often, the protection laws refer to domestic animals -- dogs and cats -- not horses.

As California, Colorado and New Mexico prohibited the practice, often part of a charro or Mexican rodeo, evidence mounted that the cruel slamming had reached Nevada beginning in Elko County and moving south, Titus said.

Mainstream horse clubs, veterinarians and animals lovers support the ban, Titus said.

"It's awful," said horse trainer and Las Vegas resident Tina Trenner, who has handled prize-winning horses here and in Southern California. Trenner said she witnessed terrified horses trying to scramble over fences in events in Southern California.

Horses used in the Mexican charros are often on the way to the slaughterhouse when they are tripped, Trenner said.

Commission Chairwoman Yvonne Atkinson Gates shook her head after the film and the testimony.

"After what I just saw, I can't imagine an animal has to go through this," she said. "I can't imagine it going on in this state, especially when we are trying to teach young children to be kind to one another."

Former rodeo participant and Commissioner Jay Bingham said the cruel event he saw on the tape was a far cry from the roping events in a traditional rodeo. "This is not the same thing," he said.

"I can't imagine anyone treating a horse like this," Commissioner Paul Christensen said.

Commissioner Bruce Woodbury called the activity "reprehensible" and urged other Southern Nevada cities to follow the county's lead in banning it.

"It's ridiculous, just ridiculous," Commissioner Myrna Williams said. "I'm pleased we've taken a leadership role instead of waiting for something terrible to happen."

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