I am a former volunteer for a trail ride business in Northampton County, and I have personally witnessed the horrifying consequences of animal cruelty. Along with my fellow volunteers, we reported an incident involving severe neglect and abuse by the owner of the horses. We provided thorough statements, named the suffering horses who were denied veterinary care for days or weeks before they tragically died. Others were locked in paddock stalls with no protection from the elements. They were forced to live in unsanitary conditions. Mud, urine & feces in most stalls were 10” deep. Horses sick with a contagious illness (strangles) were forced to do trail rides. All of the horses were under fed and denied water by the owner even on hot days after long hours working on the trails. Of the 21 horses kept on a tiny 1.5 acre lot 10 were seized due to our report; two of them were so ill that they had to be immediately euthanized.

Despite presenting clear evidence leading to charges of 2 Felony aggravated animal cruelty resulting in serious bodily injury or death,

2 M3-neglect and 6 S neglect/vet care against the owner, disappointingly, the District Attorney offered Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) instead of pursuing stringent legal action.

This is not an isolated incident; it reflects a broader issue within our county's system. The Humane Society reports that nearly one million animals are abused or killed each year due to domestic violence alone in America (Humane Society). This figure does not even account for cases like ours - instances where animals are victims of commercial exploitation.

Northampton County needs to change its approach towards handling animal cruelty cases. We need stricter laws and penalties that reflect the severity of these crimes against innocent creatures who cannot defend themselves. The District Attorney's office must take these cases seriously by prosecuting offenders according to established guidelines rather than offering lenient alternatives such as ARD.

By signing this petition, you are standing up for those who can't speak for themselves - you're demanding justice for all animals in Northampton County who have suffered or may suffer from abuse or neglect at human hands. Please sign this petition today; let us work together towards creating a safer environment for all animals within our community.