Shocking story

Judge rejects warrant for animal cruelty charge; Lawmen say horse starved (VIDEO, PHOTOS) | springs, judge, animal - News - Northwest Florida Daily News

Have to say, takes a lot to leave me speechless. :shock:

It takes a black heart to treat an innocent animal this way. I hope that "what goes around, comes around" works in this case. :(

Judge rejects warrant for animal cruelty charge; Lawmen say horse starved (VIDEO, PHOTOS) | springs, judge, animal - News - Northwest Florida Daily News

Have to say, takes a lot to leave me speechless. :shock:

Me too; and I find it hard to believe there is any reason not to call this abuse or neglect. What rules and procedures is Judge Green referring to? Anyone know? The law seems pretty clear:
828.12. Cruelty to animals

(1) A person who unnecessarily overloads, overdrives, torments, deprives of necessary sustenance or shelter, or unnecessarily mutilates, or kills any animal, or causes the same to be done, or carries in or upon any vehicle, or otherwise, any animal in a cruel or inhumane manner, is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or by a fine of not more than $5,000, or both.

(2) A person who intentionally commits an act to any animal which results in the cruel death, or excessive or repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering, or causes the same to be done, is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or by a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.

You'd think they'd have guidelines - when I was a camp counselor there were very specific rules about how many meals a day I had to feed the kids and how many of those meals had to be "hot" - otherwise it was child abuse. Of course, making the kids actually eat the meals was also child abuse - total no win situation.

does anyone know if the owners were trying to feed this horse and he wouldn't eat? and they got help from a vet for his failure to eat?
I would like to think there are extenuating circumstances that causes two judges to refuse to press charges...would be good if that was made public...otherwise, there is a vacuum of understanding and it is easy to fill that vacuum with misinformation.

Judge throws out animal abuse charges; Walton crowd protests | protests, abuse, throws - Breaking News - WaltonSun.com

It's also the front page story in the Sun. A little more info - not much, but a little.

At the very least, if you can, make a contribution to Alaqua. It's not cheap to provide the care this horse needs.
Any lawyers out there willing to donate their services to try and block the owner from claiming this animal?

does anyone know if the owners were trying to feed this horse and he wouldn't eat? and they got help from a vet for his failure to eat?
I would like to think there are extenuating circumstances that causes two judges to refuse to press charges...would be good if that was made public...otherwise, there is a vacuum of understanding and it is easy to fill that vacuum with misinformation.

I wish - He was found without food or water and has already gained 20 lbs now that he is being properly cared for.

Considering the Sheriff and State Attorney were the ones who brought the charges, then tried again w/ lesser charges, I don't think it's off base to question the judges' decisions.

Absolutely no reason to starve this poor animal. FTLOC, it's a miniature horse - it's not like food isn't readily available, it eats caviar, or Alaqua wouldn't have helped if they needed it.

And I will be REALLY pissed if the claim that they got special treatment is true. Scooterbugs have NO tolerance for those who abuse animals or prey upon people weaker than them.

"...According to Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson, the evidence was strong enough that he and State Attorney Greg Anchors had asked for a felony warrant against the horse's owner. The request was denied and Adkinson and Anchors resubmitted, requesting a misdemeanor warrant, which was denied on Wednesday.

"Historically, I know that animal abuse cases are hard to prosecute, but we felt we had a strong enough case or we wouldn't have asked for it," Adkinson told The Sun.

Atkinson said the judge gave him no reason for the denial.

"I suspect it has to do with the way the laws are written," said Adkinson.

But many in the community said it was a clear case of injustice. They maintain that the horse owner?s spouse is a county employee, and was given special treatment."

Please check out Alaqua's facebook page for more information: Alaqua Animal Refuge | Facebook. Turns out poor Champ's owner works at the courthouse. What a coincidence! Wouldn't be the first time Walton county politics got in the way of justice. Kudos to the Sheriff's office for continuing to push this.

And yes, please DO use this opportunity to donate to Alaqua. Alaqua Animal Refuge It's very easy to make a monthly donation via paypal. They do such wonderful work with so little. Laurie Hood and her staff and volunteers are angels. Seldom will spending $20/month make you feel so good.