The Colorado State Fair announced Wednesday that rules prohibiting exhibitors from tampering with livestock will be strictly enforced at this year’s fair.
“It’s a result of talking with several of the national livestock managers, and certainly the National Western brought to light some issues that may or may not be happening at the Colorado State Fair,” said Chris Wiseman, general manager of the fair.
The National Western Stock Show disqualified 18 lambs in April after veterinarians discovered the animals were injected to enhance their appearance.
Two weeks ago, the stock show reinstated six exhibitors after alternative explanations were provided for needle marks found on the animals’ carcasses.
The exhibitors are Tara Burchfield of Fairview, Okla.; Lane Daniel of Hollis, Okla.; Weston Wayne Hill of Carmen, Okla.; Allison McGolden of Arapaho, Okla.; Baylor Newcomb of Elk City, Okla.; and Carri Smith of Fairview.
Those who were disqualified did not receive the money paid for the lambs.
No further sanctions will be taken against the 12 who were disqualified from the 2006 show, National Western spokeswoman Kati Anderson said Wednesday.
The State Fair will work closely with the state veterinarian, the district attorney and the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office during this year’s fair, which runs Aug. 25 to Sept. 4.
The fair will have:
A designated inspection zone for veterinarians to inspect for animal tampering.
A new rule requiring that all blankets or protective coverings be removed from lambs between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to allow inspectors to view the animals.
Certified inspections by state veterinarians upon arrival of all market animals before they are stalled. Animals will be restricted from leaving the stalling area, other than to and from wash racks.
Carcass and hide inspections for junior livestock sale animals.
Signs in livestock barns stating, “The Colorado State Fair will enforce all rules regarding livestock tampering and the unethical treatment of animals.”
Wiseman said the fair historically has not had a problem with cheaters.
“It’s important to us because our statute says we are here to promote 4-H and FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America), and we want to make sure that everyone who is participating here is using the highest standards,” Wiseman said.
Staff writer Erin Emery can be reached at 719-522-1360 or eemery@denverpost.com.
