By Sherri Lonon|WestchasePatch
What began as a push to see justice served on behalf of a single horse that died after Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies say its owner neglected to feed it has since turned into an organized movement to see tougher laws enacted in Florida.
The Justice for Jolie group wants to bring “additional awareness to Florida’s law makers and law enforcement regarding improvements in the protection of all of Florida’s unwanted, abandoned, abused, neglected, starved and slaughter bound horses,” wrote Lauren Dudley, president of Equestrian Inc., in an email.
Equestrian Inc. was thrust into the news recently when it took possession of four horses that had been neglected in the Carrollwood area. One horse, Jolie, was in especially delicate condition when she arrived at the nonprofit horse rescue.
She eventually died.
Statement by Adam Trenk, Rose Law Group equine law attorney:
“There is no excuse for animal abuse or neglect. I believe people have a moral obligation to take responsibility for proper feed and health maintenance of their horses. However, in times of financial distress this can be difficult even for those with the best of intentions, because it may mean sacrificing custody of a beloved companion.
“The law does not always approach this subject with a complete understanding or the property sensitivity.”
If you’d like to discuss equine law, contact Adam Trenk, atrenk@roselawgroup.com
