From SHARK (see below):
ANIMAL ADVOCACY GROUPS FILE EMERGENCY INJUNCTION TO HALT OGLE COUNTY STEER TAILING
ROCHELLE, IL – July 8, 2026 — Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) and the Humane Farming Association (HFA) have filed an emergency injunction in Ogle County to prevent a steer tailing (coleadero) event scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026. A court hearing regarding the injunction is scheduled for this Friday, July 10, 2026, where all parties are expected to appear.
Steer tailing is a controversial practice in which horseback riders chase a running steer, grab and wrap the animal’s tail around their leg, and violently slam the animal to the ground. According to animal rights advocates, this practice routinely results in horrific injuries, including broken legs and tails being torn entirely from the animals’ bodies.
For years, SHARK has used drone footage to document ongoing animal abuse and permit violations at Rancho La Esperanza, the rodeo venue south of Rochelle. Previously, Ogle County’s Planning and Zoning Committee unanimously voted to revoke the venue’s special use permit; however, the full Ogle County Board delayed enacting the closure.
“This lawsuit is a direct result of the failures of Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock, Sheriff Brian VanVickle, the entire Ogle County Board, and the Illinois Department of Agriculture to do their jobs,” said Steve Hindi, President of SHARK. “We are taking this emergency legal action to stop the constant violence and ensure the Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act is strictly enforced.”
The injunction aims to immediately halt the July 18 event and prevent further instances of what advocates classify as extreme and illegal animal abuse.A court hearing is set for this Friday, July 10, 2026 at 11:00 am CT in Room 304 of the Ogle County Courthouse before the Honorable Judge Crull. Representatives from SHARK, HFA, and Ogle County are expected to appear.
About Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK)
Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) is an Illinois-based animal protection organization dedicated to ending animal abuse through investigations, drone surveillance, and direct legal action.
About Humane Farming Association (HFA)
Founded in 1985, the Humane Farming Association (HFA) is dedicated to protecting farm animals, exposing cruelty, and promoting systemic change in the agricultural and entertainment industries.
