The state is cracking down on doped up draft horses and has banned two from pulling contests at local fairs.
Two suspect draft horses tested positive for anabolic steroid in random drug tests, according to the state Department of Agriculture.
The random tests, something akin to what is done on professional athletes, were conducted on animals participating in the draft horse pulling contests at the North Stonington Agricultural Fair held on July 11. The lab tests confirmed the presence of the drugs.
"These draft pulling events, a long-standing tradition at our Connecticut Fairs, are enjoyed by many of the fairgoers – and, by working with the Connecticut Fair Association, these random tests not only preserve the fairness of the events but more importantly help ensure the wellbeing of the animals," Agriculture Commissioner F. Philip Prelli said.
Agriculture officials said one animal, owned by the Perkins Family of North Stonington, tested positive at the North Stonington Fair.
Eric French and Son, also of North Stonington, owns the other horse.
The horses will be benched from the equine strength competitions for a year.
Local
The Perkins Family, including Mark Sr., Mark Jr. and Court, and Eric French and his son, Eric Jr., cannot enter any animals in draft pulling contests for a year.
