Hello Petition Supporters,

My name is Alexandra, and I'm on the Civic Engagement team at Change.org. Our team works to connect petition starters and supporters with the public officials who have the power to act on the issues you care about. 

I reached out to the office of Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague, which was listed as a recipient of this petition. His communications director clarified that animal cruelty cases in Ohio are handled at the county level — typically through the local humane society, county dog warden, or county prosecutor. In this case, authorities in Hamilton County have also already taken action.

As is mentioned in the petition, action to retrieve and rehabilitate the horses was taken on August 12 by Hamilton County's animal shelter, Cincinnati Animal CARE. The county prosecutor's office also stepped in and charged the owner with 18 counts of animal cruelty. Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich issued a statement: “My office will aggressively pursue justice and protect these animals going forward.”

Clemons did not appear in court on September 26, but his attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. The next hearing is scheduled for October 15, 2025. 

Your voices have already helped bring attention to this case — please keep fighting until justice is served and these animals are protected.