On May 25, 2025, at a steer tailing event in Rochelle, Illinois, at least five steers suffered horrific injuries when their tails were ripped off—a gruesome injury known as degloving. One steer’s leg was broken, and another was left lame. None received veterinary care or pain relief, violating Illinois animal cruelty laws. Despite numerous calls to the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, no action was taken. 

This is not an isolated incident. Just over a month earlier, on April 19, at the same location, one horse and two steers had their legs broken. Again, no intervention occurred. Animal advocacy group Showing Animals Respect & Kindness (SHARK) has documented these abuses and reported them to authorities, but their calls for help have been ignored. 

Illinois has strong animal welfare laws, but enforcement is lacking. A proposed bill, SB0045, aims to ban the practice of dragging or pulling any bovine by its tail for entertainment or sport. We urge Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly to pass SB0045 and enforce existing animal cruelty laws to protect animals from such inhumane treatment. 

Please sign this petition to demand action against steer tailing events and ensure the humane treatment of animals in Illinois.