LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A teenage girl is in custody after three horses were injured with a sharp object at a barrel racing competition at South Point Casino.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police said officers received a report at approximately 2:07 a.m. Saturday that a horse had been injured at a barn. Patrol officers arrived and learned that three horses had been “intentionally injured with a sharp object,” according to a news release.
An LVMPD Animal Cruelty Section investigation ensued and detectives were able to identify a teenage girl as a possible suspect. Police said the teen had access to the barn.
“While the injuries are not considered life-threatening, they are expected to prevent the horses from competing,” police said.
Detectives located the teen and took her into custody. The teen was booked into Clark County Juvenile Hall.
According to police, she faces 12 counts of willful/malicious kill/maim/torture animal and three counts of felony malicious destruction of private property over $5,000.
The National Barrel Horse Association said in a statement the incident involved “a limited number of equine athletes.”
“The situation was addressed immediately in coordination with the National Barrel Horse Association, the South Point Hotel & Casino Security, Metro Police, and all appropriate parties,” the association said in a release posted to social media. “The individual involved has been removed and placed in the care of authorities, and there is no ongoing threat of any kind.”
The 2026 NBHA Professional’s Choice Vegas Super Show began Friday and runs through Sunday.
The Barrel Horse Association is asking for respect and consideration for all involved.
This is a developing story. Check back for the latest.
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