Teenage girl arrested after three horses were stabbed at a Nevada barrel race event

A teenage girl has been taken into custody after three horses were allegedly stabbed at a barrel racing competition in Nevada.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) responded to the scene just after 2 a.m. on Saturday, 30 May, following a report of an injured horse at a barn in the 9700 block of South Las Vegas Boulevard.

Upon arrival, officers found that "three horses had been intentionally injured with a sharp object," according to an official press release.

Teenager identified, arrested and charged

The LVMPD Animal Cruelty Section launched an investigation, and detectives identified a teenage girl as a likely suspect. Police said investigators believe she used a knife to inflict the injuries, having had access to the barn where the horses were housed.

She was subsequently located at a nearby hotel and taken into custody before being transported to Clark County Juvenile Hall.

She has been booked on 12 counts of wilful or malicious killing, maiming or torturing an animal, as well as three counts of felony malicious destruction of private property valued at more than $5,000.

Horses safe but unable to compete

Whilst the injuries sustained by the three horses are not considered life-threatening, the animals will be unable to take part in the 2026 NBHA Professional's Choice Las Vegas Super Show at the South Point Arena & Equestrian Centre.

NBHA and South Point Hotel respond

The National Barrel Horse Association addressed the matter in a news release shared on social media, describing the episode as an isolated one that was dealt with promptly.

"This situation was addressed immediately in coordination with the National Barrel Horse Association, the South Point Hotel & Security, Metro Police, and all appropriate parties," the statement read.

"The individual involved has been removed and placed in the care of authorities, and there is no ongoing threat of any kind."

The South Point Hotel Casino & Spa also released a statement to PEOPLE, emphasising that the "safety and well-being of all guests, participants, and equine athletes on property is our highest priority."

The hotel added: "We are thankful to report all of the horses involved are safe. We want to thank the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the NBHA for their immediate response to this incident, and the South Point is fully cooperating with the LVMPD as it conducts its investigation."

Fellow competitor reacts

Cali Raymer, a 17-year-old competitor at the event, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that she had spoken to the suspect "a few times" before the incident. "It's kind of scary that something like that would happen here," she said.