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Veterinarian reports brutalized bull; commissioners say sheriff investigating and staff will review SUP
Summary
A licensed veterinarian told the commission he examined a severely injured bull and asked that the county consider revoking a temporary Special Use Permit for rodeo events; commissioners said law enforcement is investigating and staff will review evidence before further action.
Dr. John Renan, a licensed veterinarian, told the Leavenworth County Commission that he was called to a rural property after an anonymous tip and found a bull in severe respiratory distress with open, purulent wounds, a possible broken leg and signs he said indicated the animal had been left in poor condition for an extended period. Dr. Renan said he invoked state statute to examine the animal, that sheriff’s deputies were present, and that he provided a recorded physical exam to law enforcement.
"The bull was in severe respiratory distress... there was no potable water... it was covered in flies... the leg had a spiral [fracture]..." Dr. Renan said, describing the animal’s condition and asking the commission to consider revoking a temporary Special Use Permit (SUP) that had allowed rodeo events at a related property.
Commissioners and county staff said the sheriff’s office is involved and that law enforcement is handling the investigation; staff also agreed to review the administrative record for the SUP and contact the applicant to give the operator an opportunity to respond. County counsel and staff emphasized due process and that revocation or other administrative action would follow review of law-enforcement findings and the evidence staff compiles.
County staff said they would contact the applicant and review the SUP record and inspection materials and that any decision about revocation would be made only after reviewing the evidence and the outcome of the sheriff’s inquiry. Several public commenters, including representatives of rodeo and county-fair organizations, urged a prompt but legally careful review so sanctioned events are not unfairly tainted by unverified allegations.
Next steps: staff will review the evidence and the SUP file, coordinate with law enforcement as permitted, and return to the commission with recommended procedural follow-up if the investigation produces substantiated violations of state statute or the SUP conditions.
