Colorado law enforcement authorities are investigating allegations that horse abuse took place at an event at the Boulder County Fairgrounds.

Boulder County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Specialist Carrie Haverfield said that, on Feb. 17, personnel from the Sheriff’s Department and the Boulder County Parks and Open Space Department responded to a complaint that a horse used in a rodeo event at the fairgrounds was being abused. The hosts of the rodeo had rented space from the county fairgrounds to stage the event, Haverfield said. 

Boulder County Sheriff’s Commander Heidi Prentup said the animal had been used to rope a steer in a roping class.

“We are investigating a puncture injury to the horse’s right rear haunch,“ Prentup said. “The horse’s owner is caring for it at home; a veterinarian has been consulted