OKEECHOBEE -- The Animal Recovery Mission (ARM) announced April 1 that the organization has reopened Operation Steer-Tailing, an investigation of a private rodeo that hosts events known as Coleaderos.

ARM reportedly sent undercover operatives to Rancho La Esperanza for a rodeo on private property in Okeechobee County. ARM personnel posed as spectators to gather videos and information. The March 30 Coleadero was advertised on Facebook at 8343 E. Center Street, Okeechobee.

“Steer-tailing is considered one of the most violent competitions and outlawed in competitive rodeo. It is banned in South and Central America, Nebraska and counties in California, Colorado, Illinois Texas and others.  The 'game' involves a mounted rider who pursues a high-speed chase on a running steer, grabbing by the tail and slams the steer to the ground,” ARM explained in an April 1 press release.

According to ARM, the riders snatch the steer’s tail so hard they often break the tail or cause severe damage. 

“Cows endure this abuse for up to 8 hours as they are run through a continuous cycle from the chute to the arena. Exhausted cows are deprived of any water, rest, or medical treatment for serious injuries that occur during the event. No vets are at the event to aid the injured animals,” the press release states. 

The PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) website explains: A charro on horseback pursues a steer, grabs the animal’s tail, wraps it around his boot and stirrup, then veers off, slamming the steer to the ground.

“Once a contest among charros (horse riders) to show off riding and roping skills on horses, bulls, and calves, the charreada has degenerated into what is essentially a series of bullying circus acts showcasing ‘skills’ that no rancher would ever use,” the PETA website states.

Sgt. Jack Nash, with Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, said OCSO investigated a similar event in 2019 but no criminal activity was found.

“Last week, we received an email from Ms. (Rachel) Taylor, a representative of ARM, regarding this same type of event,” Nash explained. “After receiving the email, we requested Ms. Taylor to share any new evidence that could support the allegations they were making. This evidence would be different from what we had already received and would help validate the complaint.

“Our investigators have not received any new evidence to date. As per Florida Law, which is what we enforce, although the rodeo may be against their beliefs or views, we have not been notified of any crime taking place. Therefore, there is no legal action that we can take as no probable cause for a crime exists,” he added. “The Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office takes each and every complaint seriously. If anyone suspects a crime is taking place or has, we ask them to reach out to us.”