THOSE WITHOUT A VOICE - HOCKLEY, TX
Donation protected
On October 21st a Facebook campaign started on the Facebook page of Robin Floyd Provost (my neighbor) which exposed the plight of 40+ horses owned by a Texas Veterinarian that are in various stages of malnourishment, Many in need of immediate Vet care. For years we have reported this and for years it was ignored, NOTHING was done to remove one of God's most beautiful creations from this horrific situation.
Shortly after the story went Viral on Facebook, Channel 2 KPRC News investigated with 2 reports over 3 weeks. Numerous photos showed the suffering of these horses over a period of several years.
This horse "Marley"was rescued - Mid 2011
Hockley woman accused of neglecting horses
October 24, 2014 (Channel 2 News Video)
On October 28th, in the middle of the night, several horses in the worst shape were loaded into trailers and removed from the property.
Later said by Waller County Sheriff to have been taken to a Veterinarian in another county and/or trainers. 3 weeks later the Waller County Sheriff's Dept would make a statement regarding the seizure of the horses. (See Below). We had a Sheriff's Deputy present when these horses were being moved and he said he could do nothing about her removing the horses, he refused to call anyone about the seizure.
Concern over condition of horses in Waller County
November 17,2014 (Channel 2 News Video)
What you are about to see is nothing short of neglect and abuse by a woman who is licensed as a Texas Veterinarian to care for your family pets. (See Video)
THOSE WITHOUT A VOICE
On November 19th The Waller County Sheriff's Office posted the following update on their Facebook page regarding there efforts to help these poor horses:
Waller County Sheriff Facebook Page
On November 20th, I, Christin McCumber along with my neighbors, Robin Floyd Provost and Angela Dunn Richardson, were slapped with a Lawsuit & Temporary Restraining Order to shut down our Constitutional right to Free Speech and to restrain us from giving any further information to the Public. Information that we believe is a matter of public concern and should have been a matter of concern to Waller County officials for many years. We will fight for their right to humane treatment and our right to speak about it.
On December 3, 2014, under the "Citizen's Participation Act", I slapped back!
I will not be quiet so others can continue to turn their heads and do absolutely NOTHING regarding the well being of these horses!
On January 12th at 1:30 pm in Hempstead, TX,
Myself and my neighbors, Robin Floyd Provost, and Angela Dunn Richardson will appear in court with Counsel to respond to that lawsuit. We will address the claims of Defamation regarding the care of the horses belonging to, or on the property of Ms. Digilio.
Hearing has been rescheduled to February 9th at 1:30 pm. Although disappointing, I understand the schedules of the court cannot always go as planned.
As we wait for the hearing, I find myself disgusted by the things I learn and see. On January 30th I began reviewing 4 years of Reports & Pictures (over 1000 pages of pictures and reports). Keep in mind this is noted to go back approx. 3-4 years before this and several years before I even moved here.
As I am physically sick to my stomach from reading what I have already lived each day along with my neighbors, I've realized that the SPCA has been active in this. They reported it over and over again to Waller County Sheriff's Dept., just to be told there was nothing to be done. When it finally appears that a seizure was to be done, the owner takes 4 horses to the Brazos Valley Equine Vets in the middle of the night and Lawyers up a few days later. Again, Waller County had waited just long enough for her to make minimal efforts and get a lawyer. It was after this that the Sheriff's Dept. and D.A.'s Office claim to not have Probable Cause.
PROBABLE CAUSE as explained in the Free Dictionary: Apparent facts discovered through logical inquiry that would lead a reasonably intelligent and prudent person to believe that an accused person has committed a crime, thereby warranting prosecuting his or her crime, or that Cause of Action has accrued, justifying a Civil Suit.
February 9th, 2015 the Judge decides that the Lawsuit qualifies to be heard under the "Citizens Participation Act". It is also decided to allow the Plaintiff's attorney to hand in a brief within the next week and our Attorneys would have the second week. Although submitted late, it demands that the SPCA records be removed from the exhibits...that they only want to go back to October 21st the day of the original Facebook post through present day. IMAGINE THAT! I'll keep my thoughts on that to myself. Well, we shall see if the TRUTH prevails!
March 10, 2015 Judge Albert M. McCaig Jr. of the 506th Judicial District Court of Texas in Waller County ruled in favor of the Defendants Christin McCumber, Robin Provost, and Angela Dunn Richardson by dismissing the lawsuit with Prejudice ordering some of the Lawyer Fees for the Defendants and Sanctions against the Plaintiff for each Defendant.
Update: July 10, 2015 All 34 Horses remaining on the Plaintiff's property were seized by the Waller County District Attorney's Office. The action is based on the charge of "Felony Cruelty to Livestock". The case is Pending in the 506th District Court, Judge Albert McCaig presiding.
Thank You for supporting our efforts to ensure that all abused and neglected horses have a voice. To ensure that there are resources now and in the future to address these issues in all communities. To ensure that Justice is served.
The legal fees are staggering to defend Frivolous and Malicious lawsuits. No matter how small or large the donation, YOU can make a difference!
The story, related postings, and updates will continue being posted for those who are interested as well as all successes to date.
In July of 2011, a complaint for Animal Abuse (by someone other than the Defendants in the current lawsuit) was filed with the Texas State Board of Veterinary Licensing. It ended in Febuary 2013 with a Formal Reprimand and a $500 fine by the board for "Failing to respond" to the Board and not changing her mailing address. No mention was made of any Investigation results of the "Animal Abuse" charge originally made. Again, NOTHING was done to stop this behavior and help these horses.
TX State Board of Veterinarian Licensing
Below are photo's of 2 Horses, that went from the Vet to someone else's care and then back to the Vet. The 3 year old horse (Top picture) was rescued over 3 years ago by a young lady and rehabilitated into a beautiful horse. Sadly, it was taken back from her by the same woman (By way of Lawsuit) over a year later (middle picture) because she decided the young lady wasn't caring for it well enough. We know that same horse was the horse loaded up when the KPRC Channel 2 story first ran, and sadly it was in poor condition again. I am posting the below pictures because I want people to know that these horses can have a chance, we just have to make it happen.
"RETRO FLYER"
TX Vet's Care - July 27, 2011
Audrey Miller's Care (Below) - November 3, 2012
With Tx Vet Again (Below) - September 30, 2014
SPCA Photo
"FANTASIA" (Below)
The Vet Owner's Care - SPCA Photo March 28, 2011
To Audrey Miller July 25, 2011 (Below)
Veterinarian Assessment as follows:
8 yr old Mare - Henneke Body Score 1.5 of 9
5-7 months pregnant (miscarried)
This mare had broken teeth, gum infection, and could not have her teeth treated until gaining 150 lbs. She was blind from trauma to her eyes. She required a special Refeeding program, requiring feed several times a day.
Audrey Miller's Care July 2012
"Fantasia" was taken back by Vet Owner in July 2012
Whereabouts Unknown
Shortly after the story went Viral on Facebook, Channel 2 KPRC News investigated with 2 reports over 3 weeks. Numerous photos showed the suffering of these horses over a period of several years. This horse "Marley"was rescued - Mid 2011Hockley woman accused of neglecting horses
October 24, 2014 (Channel 2 News Video)
On October 28th, in the middle of the night, several horses in the worst shape were loaded into trailers and removed from the property.
Later said by Waller County Sheriff to have been taken to a Veterinarian in another county and/or trainers. 3 weeks later the Waller County Sheriff's Dept would make a statement regarding the seizure of the horses. (See Below). We had a Sheriff's Deputy present when these horses were being moved and he said he could do nothing about her removing the horses, he refused to call anyone about the seizure.Concern over condition of horses in Waller County
November 17,2014 (Channel 2 News Video)
What you are about to see is nothing short of neglect and abuse by a woman who is licensed as a Texas Veterinarian to care for your family pets. (See Video)
THOSE WITHOUT A VOICE
On November 19th The Waller County Sheriff's Office posted the following update on their Facebook page regarding there efforts to help these poor horses:
Waller County Sheriff Facebook Page
On November 20th, I, Christin McCumber along with my neighbors, Robin Floyd Provost and Angela Dunn Richardson, were slapped with a Lawsuit & Temporary Restraining Order to shut down our Constitutional right to Free Speech and to restrain us from giving any further information to the Public. Information that we believe is a matter of public concern and should have been a matter of concern to Waller County officials for many years. We will fight for their right to humane treatment and our right to speak about it.
On December 3, 2014, under the "Citizen's Participation Act", I slapped back!
I will not be quiet so others can continue to turn their heads and do absolutely NOTHING regarding the well being of these horses!
On January 12th at 1:30 pm in Hempstead, TX,
Myself and my neighbors, Robin Floyd Provost, and Angela Dunn Richardson will appear in court with Counsel to respond to that lawsuit. We will address the claims of Defamation regarding the care of the horses belonging to, or on the property of Ms. Digilio.
Hearing has been rescheduled to February 9th at 1:30 pm. Although disappointing, I understand the schedules of the court cannot always go as planned.
As we wait for the hearing, I find myself disgusted by the things I learn and see. On January 30th I began reviewing 4 years of Reports & Pictures (over 1000 pages of pictures and reports). Keep in mind this is noted to go back approx. 3-4 years before this and several years before I even moved here.
As I am physically sick to my stomach from reading what I have already lived each day along with my neighbors, I've realized that the SPCA has been active in this. They reported it over and over again to Waller County Sheriff's Dept., just to be told there was nothing to be done. When it finally appears that a seizure was to be done, the owner takes 4 horses to the Brazos Valley Equine Vets in the middle of the night and Lawyers up a few days later. Again, Waller County had waited just long enough for her to make minimal efforts and get a lawyer. It was after this that the Sheriff's Dept. and D.A.'s Office claim to not have Probable Cause.
PROBABLE CAUSE as explained in the Free Dictionary: Apparent facts discovered through logical inquiry that would lead a reasonably intelligent and prudent person to believe that an accused person has committed a crime, thereby warranting prosecuting his or her crime, or that Cause of Action has accrued, justifying a Civil Suit.
February 9th, 2015 the Judge decides that the Lawsuit qualifies to be heard under the "Citizens Participation Act". It is also decided to allow the Plaintiff's attorney to hand in a brief within the next week and our Attorneys would have the second week. Although submitted late, it demands that the SPCA records be removed from the exhibits...that they only want to go back to October 21st the day of the original Facebook post through present day. IMAGINE THAT! I'll keep my thoughts on that to myself. Well, we shall see if the TRUTH prevails!
March 10, 2015 Judge Albert M. McCaig Jr. of the 506th Judicial District Court of Texas in Waller County ruled in favor of the Defendants Christin McCumber, Robin Provost, and Angela Dunn Richardson by dismissing the lawsuit with Prejudice ordering some of the Lawyer Fees for the Defendants and Sanctions against the Plaintiff for each Defendant.
Update: July 10, 2015 All 34 Horses remaining on the Plaintiff's property were seized by the Waller County District Attorney's Office. The action is based on the charge of "Felony Cruelty to Livestock". The case is Pending in the 506th District Court, Judge Albert McCaig presiding.
Thank You for supporting our efforts to ensure that all abused and neglected horses have a voice. To ensure that there are resources now and in the future to address these issues in all communities. To ensure that Justice is served.
The legal fees are staggering to defend Frivolous and Malicious lawsuits. No matter how small or large the donation, YOU can make a difference!
The story, related postings, and updates will continue being posted for those who are interested as well as all successes to date.
In July of 2011, a complaint for Animal Abuse (by someone other than the Defendants in the current lawsuit) was filed with the Texas State Board of Veterinary Licensing. It ended in Febuary 2013 with a Formal Reprimand and a $500 fine by the board for "Failing to respond" to the Board and not changing her mailing address. No mention was made of any Investigation results of the "Animal Abuse" charge originally made. Again, NOTHING was done to stop this behavior and help these horses.
TX State Board of Veterinarian Licensing
Below are photo's of 2 Horses, that went from the Vet to someone else's care and then back to the Vet. The 3 year old horse (Top picture) was rescued over 3 years ago by a young lady and rehabilitated into a beautiful horse. Sadly, it was taken back from her by the same woman (By way of Lawsuit) over a year later (middle picture) because she decided the young lady wasn't caring for it well enough. We know that same horse was the horse loaded up when the KPRC Channel 2 story first ran, and sadly it was in poor condition again. I am posting the below pictures because I want people to know that these horses can have a chance, we just have to make it happen.
"RETRO FLYER"
TX Vet's Care - July 27, 2011
Audrey Miller's Care (Below) - November 3, 2012 With Tx Vet Again (Below) - September 30, 2014SPCA Photo
"FANTASIA" (Below)
The Vet Owner's Care - SPCA Photo March 28, 2011
To Audrey Miller July 25, 2011 (Below)
Veterinarian Assessment as follows:
8 yr old Mare - Henneke Body Score 1.5 of 9
5-7 months pregnant (miscarried)
This mare had broken teeth, gum infection, and could not have her teeth treated until gaining 150 lbs. She was blind from trauma to her eyes. She required a special Refeeding program, requiring feed several times a day.
Audrey Miller's Care July 2012"Fantasia" was taken back by Vet Owner in July 2012
Whereabouts Unknown
Organizer
Christin R McCumber
Organizer
Hegar, TX
