SHARK Threatened and Kicked-out of High School Rodeo

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Just more evidence of rodeo crimes and their buying off the "lawmakers" Public Macoupin County Fair Grounds in Carlinville, IL On Sunday, May 18, 2008 SHARK President, Steve Hindi attempted to investigate a high school rodeo held at the Macoupin County Fair property outside of Carlinville, IL. In Steve's words, here's what happened: "Upon arrival at the fairgrounds I was asked what was in the camera bag I was carrying. I responded that it was a video camera. I was told by rodeo promoters that videotaping was not allowed unless a special permit was obtained. The rodeo promoters claimed that the event was copyrighted. It should be mentioned that, as with all high school rodeos, there were numerous videocams observed on the premises. I told rodeo promoters that the rodeo

was not copyrighted, and that I had a right to videotape. I displayed my Humane Investigator's card issued by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, and then proceeded to the stands. Shortly after arriving in the stands, a group of approximately ten men and one woman came and surrounded me. The men began making threats and uttering fighting words. I placed a 911 call to inform the authorities. While on the phone, the 911 operator heard some of the statements being made by the rodeo people and dispatched a Macoupin County sheriff's deputy. Deputy Roger Diveley arrived shortly thereafter and stated that I would have to leave. I explained that I was an Illinois Approved Humane Investigator. The Deputy said it didn't matter. On the way out to his car I continued to explain that an approved investigator had a right to enter private property, much less public property to

investigate." It is important to note that the stock contractor putting the rodeo on has a history of committing violations of the Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act. Likewise, other rodeos sanctioned by the Illinois High School Rodeo Association and the National High School Rodeo Association and produced in Illinois have also been documented committing humane violations. According to the Officer he then placed a call to the District Attorney and told Steve that the DA reportedly sided with the fair and rodeo people in demanding that Steve leave the property. Steve complied with the order, although that order was, at the minimum, not in compliance with the law, but then that is nothing new when investigating rodeos and dealing with law enforcement. As further communication with the authorities regarding this incident progress, we will keep you posted on the results. * * * http://pets.Fortheanimals7/join http://www.myspace.com/fortheanimals7