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Veterinarian and residents urge delay or denial of RJ Farms special-use permit amid animal-cruelty allegations
Summary
Veterinarians, the county humane society and residents urged the Leavenworth County Commission to remand or deny the special-use permit for RJ Farms, citing alleged illegal practices (horse tripping and steer tailing), gaps in enforcement, disease risks from imported animals and the need to verify compliance with state law before authorization.
A string of speakers urged the Leavenworth County Board of Commissioners to delay or deny a special-use permit (SUP) for RJ Farms, saying the county should verify compliance with state animal-health and cruelty laws before authorizing public events.
Dr. Joe Bernett, who identified himself as a veterinarian, told the commission he had reported "an animal abuse incident at Rancho El Yamonte" and said the board had previously granted a temporary SUP despite numerous complaints. He said the incident, which he cited as occurring on June 20, raised concerns about imported animals lacking veterinary inspection and required testing. "Legal opinions were sought and confirmed that horse tripping and steer tailing violates Kansas animal cruelty statutes," he said, and urged commissioners to deny or postpone SUPs for events that may include those practices.
Representatives of the Leavenworth County Humane Society and other commenters echoed concerns about enforcement and disease risk. Crystal Black Deer, speaking for the humane society, said it was difficult to evaluate compliance when no events had been held in the last year, and asked the board to remand the application to the planning commission to clarify oversight, enforcement and who will verify veterinary health certificates. She warned about screworm and other imported-animal risks and noted the sheriff’s office had requested notification of planned events.
Several residents described long-running large events at RJ Farms, raising questions about past operations, alcohol sales, ticketing, and whether appropriate permits and tax payments had been in place. Julie DS, a former neighbor, said the venue had drawn hundreds to a thousand attendees in past years and urged county staff to review how it operated before approving a new SUP.
Legal references and calls for study: Commenters asked the board to consult Kansas statutes and state animal-health officials, and to include the Kansas Board of Veterinary Examiners, the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the USDA in any review. Catherine Swan cited Kansas statute 21-6412 and argued the spectacle does not meet Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) standards for animal welfare.
What’s next: Public comment ended with a recommendation to recess and consult on decorum and process; the commission did not vote on the SUP during the public-comment period. Commenters asked that the planning commission and county staff examine compliance history, enforcement mechanisms, veterinary oversight and whether a denial or postponement is warranted until state agencies can review the matter.
