In a shocking incident at a national barrel racing event in Las Vegas, a teenage girl is accused of stabbing three horses in an unusual barn attack, authorities reported.
Early Saturday morning, at around 2 a.m., police responded to an emergency at the South Point Casino in Las Vegas. Upon arrival, officers found that three horses had suffered injuries from a sharp weapon, as detailed by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Investigators quickly identified the teenage girl as a suspect after discovering she had access to the stables where the horses, set to participate in the 2026 National Barrel Horse Association Professional’s Choice Las Vegas Super Show, were housed.
Authorities believe the girl, whose identity remains confidential, used a knife to cause “multiple injuries” to the horses, according to police statements.
Although the injuries are not life-threatening, police noted they will prevent the horses from taking part in the competition, as stated in their official report.
The suspect was apprehended at a nearby hotel and subsequently taken to Clark County Juvenile Hall. She faces charges including 12 counts of willful animal torture and three counts of felony malicious destruction of private property valued over $5,000.
The NBHA confirmed in a statement that the incident involved “a limited number of equine athletes” at the venue, which hosted the barrel racing show from Friday through Sunday.
“The situation was addressed immediately in coordination with the National Barrel Horse Association, the South Point Hotel & Casino Security, Metro Police, and all appropriate parties,” the association said.
“The individual involved has been removed and placed in the care of authorities, and there is no ongoing threat of any kind.”
Investigators have not released a possible motive for the horse stabbing.
