JACKSON HOLE, WYO – With a group of animal advocates waiting at the county courthouse for an outfitter’s preliminary court date yesterday, Forest Stearns himself never appeared.
Local attorney Dick Mulligan filed a not guilty plea in Teton County Circuit Court on behalf of his client. Mulligan also filed a waiver of appearance, meaning Stearns will not have to appear until the case is actually heard—months from now. Stearns is being charged with cruelty to animals, a misdemeanor offense in Wyoming.
Outrage over the treatment of the horse that died and other alleged abuses in the past has abated little since the incident was reported by Buckrail.
Lisa Robertson, of Wyoming Untrapped, has been one leading voice of many calling for justice on behalf of the dead mare, as well as long-term reformation 0f weak state statute’s protecting animals.
“Whatever the ending of this horrible horse abuse incident, our state animal cruelty law is a mishmash and poorly written—ranked #48 in the nation,” Robertson said. “Well-written laws spell out exactly what is expected of an animal owner and provide guidance to the judicial system so laws are applied consistently throughout the states.”
More than one advocate group has formed in the wake of the animal cruelty case. One such organization on Facebook purports to be a source of up-to-date information on the resolution of the case against Stearns and what may become of the rest of the herd of horses he owns.
“Justice for Horses of Stearns Outfitters” is recommending to its followers they contact Ninth Circuit Court Judge James Radda via fax, and send letters and emails to prosecuting attorneys Becket Hinckley and Stephen E. Weichman, whose office is trying the case.
