Hi folks. I was ill and not able to make it to the June 13th court appearance, but I was told by a supporter who attended that Hammond was given a change of venue to Johnson County. Missouri Case Net does not reflect that, but does show another court date in Cass County of 8-01-2016 at 9am in the courtroom of Judge Stacey Lett, for case review. I am worried that this man is going to plea down or get off completely. From others in the community I have learned that without a conviction, or immediate evidence of abuse or neglect, those horses will not be taken away. Even if he does get convicted, I am not sure they will take them away or ban him from owning animals in the future. Are there any attorneys out there who would be willing to represent and advocate for the remaining horses pro buono? Is this a thing that could even be done? I am open to all suggestions. I have been told that putting pressure on the prosecutor, and keeping this story in the media would help greatly. Anyone that takes it upon themselves to join me in this effort has my sincere gratitude. Write letters. Send emails. Do whatever you think might help.....at this point it can't hurt. I wish I had better news. I wish that I could just teleport those horses to somewhere else, but without a ban he would just buy more. He already has, I noticed a different horse out there the other day. According to those who have signed and commented on this petition it is common local knowledge that this man has used cruel training practices and torture in the past. According to witnesses he has done this very same thing to other horses. He WILL do it again. He will kick dogs. He will hit them with shovels for no reason. He will strike those horses, and if they don't obey him, we know what his fix is for that. It's heartbreaking to know that it will continue to happen unless he is stopped. I don't know how to stop him in any legal way. Please pass this to anyone involved in Missouri law that loves animals. Those horses need help. Thank you so much, Michelle