[QUOTE=WalkInTheWoods;6399152]
I cant find out the outcome of Jackie McConnell’s day in court yesterday. Has anyone heard ?[/QUOTE]
I can’t find anything daggum it.
Finally. The case was reset to Sept 25 at 9:30
???
[QUOTE=WalkInTheWoods;6399306]
Finally. The case was reset to Sept 25 at 9:30[/QUOTE]
Hoping that’s a good thing, since new law goes into effect in July. Thanks for posting.
WHTA meeting today…will be intersted in what comes out of this…just callsd the
meeting yesterday…
[QUOTE=katarine;6399357]
WHTA meeting today…will be intersted in what comes out of this…just callsd the
meeting yesterday…[/QUOTE]
Hmmm. Please post any info.
Mc Connell has a court date set Sept 10, in front of US district Judge Carter right.
Its Judge Mattisse on Sept 10 for the federal case.
The Fayette County state case is postponed til Sept 25, i forgot to ask who the judge is.
I went to the Fayette County hearing yesterday. Jackie’s case was last on the docket. (By the way, watching other cases was really interesting. One creepy looking guy was up for assault on his elderly parents–judge gave him time served with parole on condition he has no contact with parents, even though they wanted to. Judge said he was afraid the son would eventually kill one of his parents.)
Anyway, the McConnell case was continued until Sept. 25, after the Federal sentencing. The judge today was Mike Whitaker, but there is another judge who also handles cases in the county.
The Judge asked about the location of co-defendents Mays and Dockery. One (don’t remember which one) is back in Federal custody due to violating probation. The lawyers didn’t know where the other one was. Judge told sheriff to track both of them down and give him an update.
After the brief hearing, I talked to the D.A., Mike Dunavant. He told me that they are working with the Feds on the case. He said the only reason they could go after Jackie is that his barn is in Fayette County, and pointed out that most Big Lick trainers were around Shelbyville. He said that they were limited as to legal penalties (by which I assumed he meant jail time) because at the time of the abuse, the maximum charge was a misdemeanor. He told me their biggest concern was to get the horses away from McConnell, which they have for the most part.
I thanked him for the work they’ve done on this case. I believe Dunavant is doing as much as he can do here. There have been several high profile animal abuse cases in Fayette County in the last few years, and it seems that law enforcement is willing to get involved if the evidence is there. Believe me, that is not the case in all rural Tennessee Counties.
I don’t think it would help much to contact either the judge or the prosecutor. They will try to provide the best outcome they can under the law. And, remember, it’s another nail in the coffin of the Big Lick, who is running scared and making some major mistakes.
What I think might help this process along is to contact the show chairmen of some of the big All-Breed shows to work toward excluding these classes. I’m thinking Germantown Charity would be a good first move.
Thanks for the update and your good advice.
[QUOTE=BabyGreen;6399748]
I went to the Fayette County hearing yesterday. Jackie’s case was last on the docket. (By the way, watching other cases was really interesting. One creepy looking guy was up for assault on his elderly parents–judge gave him time served with parole on condition he has no contact with parents, even though they wanted to. Judge said he was afraid the son would eventually kill one of his parents.)
Anyway, the McConnell case was continued until Sept. 25, after the Federal sentencing. The judge today was Mike Whitaker, but there is another judge who also handles cases in the county.
The Judge asked about the location of co-defendents Mays and Dockery. One (don’t remember which one) is back in Federal custody due to violating probation. The lawyers didn’t know where the other one was. Judge told sheriff to track both of them down and give him an update.
After the brief hearing, I talked to the D.A., Mike Dunavant. He told me that they are working with the Feds on the case. He said the only reason they could go after Jackie is that his barn is in Fayette County, and pointed out that most Big Lick trainers were around Shelbyville. He said that they were limited as to legal penalties (by which I assumed he meant jail time) because at the time of the abuse, the maximum charge was a misdemeanor. He told me their biggest concern was to get the horses away from McConnell, which they have for the most part.
I thanked him for the work they’ve done on this case. I believe Dunavant is doing as much as he can do here. There have been several high profile animal abuse cases in Fayette County in the last few years, and it seems that law enforcement is willing to get involved if the evidence is there. Believe me, that is not the case in all rural Tennessee Counties.
I don’t think it would help much to contact either the judge or the prosecutor. They will try to provide the best outcome they can under the law. And, remember, it’s another nail in the coffin of the Big Lick, who is running scared and making some major mistakes.
What I think might help this process along is to contact the show chairmen of some of the big All-Breed shows to work toward excluding these classes. I’m thinking Germantown Charity would be a good first move.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for posting.
Nothing much new but here is text and video of the court proceedings on Tues.
http://www.myfoxmemphis.com/story/18885474/abusive-horse-trainer-faces-judge
Abusive Horse Trainer Faces Judge
By Tealy Devereaux
Fayette County, Tn - Embattled Collierville horse trainer Jackie McConnell is in more hot water. He’s already pleaded guilty in federal court and is awaiting sentencing.
McConnell is accused of abusing horses at his stable in Fayette County and then transporting the horses to competitions in East Tennessee.
Sitting in General Sessions Court in Fayette County on Tuesday, McConnell stared straight ahead.
After lengthy proceedings, McConnell finally made his way to the front before a judge, joining his attorney David Douglas.
Within a few minutes his state animal cruelty case, for which he faces 15 misdemeanor charges, was re-set to September 25th.
Attorneys in the case agreed to hold off until McConnell’s sentencing hearing in federal court in Chattanooga on September 10th.
In his federal plea agreement, McConnell copped to one count of Felony Conspiracy to Violate the Horse Protection Act by transporting and showing sored horses.
In undercover video, the Humane Society of the United States says it documented abuse to walking horses inside McConnell’s stable located in Fayette County. It captured chemicals being dropped onto the legs of horses to artificially heighten their step as well as beating, whipping and shocking.
Fayette County District Attorney General Mike Dunavant says, “This case is disturbing. Evidence indicates a pattern and history of abuse in the industry over time.”
McConnell, who we followed outside of court once he was told to return in September, says he’ll comment when the case is settled.
McConnell could have been looking at stiffer state charges. The Tennessee legislature passed a bill making animal abuse a felony and punishable by 1 to 2 years in prison. That will take effect July 1st.
this is all will and good. Jackie the Jerk will have to sweat until sept 25,on state charges,along with sweating on the Federal ones too.
do you think Jackie’s got a list of others that HE maybe willing to SHARE.
like the MOB did to get a lesser sentance.
this will not be over until the FAT Lady sings. Bet ya don’t know who she is.
I was under the impression with the Barney (SSH) guy case, that they had to sing. Was I wrong?
this is the time to be schooling your 2yr olds for the celebration,with SHOW sueing the USDA,i don’t think its right for them to send their DQP’s to any of the horse show until a judge makes a ruling. what do you (any of you all)think.
how did that mare pass the inspection and who was the DQP.from Show or Pride. it would be interesting,if one could find out.
Have a good wkend folks
Eichler is a SHOW attorney. (FYI Eichler showed Armed and Proud back in 2003 and had a Scar Rule violation.) SHOW got its knickers in a twist about something he said in the Tennessean. Here is his explanation
“Eichler Clarifies Tennessean Editorial Thursday, June 28, 2012
Unfortunately my recent letter to the Tennessean is causing a lot of angst and inappropriate criticism directed at TWSHO. The sentence …at the heart of the problem is set forth below:
“Last week, the Humane Society of the United States announced a reward for any trainer found to be violating the Horse Protection Act. We applaud this effort and, if the organization is willing, we will work by their side to rid the sport of those who break the rules, as we will with any organization or individual who shares the same goal.”
I apologize if my statement was misunderstood. I do not in any way condone baseless punishment of anyone who is doing right by the Walking Horse or the sport. I do however feel strongly that this industry needs to be on the forefront of reform and we should be willing to work with anyone or any organization, from AAEP to USDA, that can help in that effort. If we do not, we will not have an industry. Sensational news stories and overzealous regulators are intent on going well beyond eliminating the few bad actors in the industry, to eliminating the entire Industry.
I stand by my belief that we need to be all inclusive in our efforts to protect the wellbeing of the horse. But let me make one thing very clear. The Humane Society of the United States has been unscrupulous in their tactics and done a great disservice to the Walking Horse Industry by spreading misinformation to the point at which I question their true motives beyond creating a fundraising mechanism for their organization. If they truly wanted to rid the system of bad actors, they would work with us to do so, as abuse occurs, not wait to create fancy videos that will garner their organization attention.
Again, I apologize if my choice of words appeared to support in any way the HSUS’s tactics.”
Another attorney - McGartland has joined SHOW as plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the USDA. Funny thing, Is this the same McGartland who had a HPA unilateral sore violation back in 2008 ? If so, both attorneys have violated the HPA. Thick as thieves, arent they ?
Info about an industry conference this weekend in Murfreesboro. They kept it kind of quiet, don’t you think???
MURFREESBORO – Recent charges of soring against longtime Tennessee walking horse trainer Jackie McConnell of Collierville and three other defendants have brought negative attention, once again, to the walking horse business. But a conference being held this weekend is addressing many industry concerns that are affecting – even threatening – the future of the business.
Today through Sunday, the Tennessee Walking Horses of Today Equine Conference is being held at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center. However, the inaugural event wasn’t organized as a result of the indictments against McConnell and his co-defendants in the spring, says Kathy Zeis, secretary/treasurer of the Foundation for the Advancement and Support of the Tennessee Walking Show Horse.
“This is about getting to know our people, our trainers, our owners. This is a multi-industry conference,” says Zeis, who owners various walking horses, including pleasure show horses, a competitive stallion and even one she just takes for trail rides.
The conference is a collaborative effort between the Tennessee Walking Horse Trainers’ Association, the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association, the Walking Horse Owners’ Association and the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, in sponsorship with The Walking Horse Report.
Motivational speaker Carl Mays kicked off the conference by talking about the importance of communication, followed by a panel of walking horse owners speaking about their perspective on the industry.
Well-respected veterinary Dr. Tracy Turner will be featured in a questions-and-answer session. He is a member of the International Equine Veterinarians Hall of Fame and is considered one of the top veterinarian experts in thermography, a test used on horses to help detect the evidence of horse soring.
A luncheon will honor top leaders that have donated their time to benefit the walking horse industry
In the afternoon today, Julius Johnson, Tennessee commissioner of Agriculture, will speak. Johnson’s talk will be followed by a seminar regarding USDA Horse Protection Act regulations and issues, featuring Dr. Chester Gipson, who is responsible for enforcing the Animal Welafe Act, and Dr. Rachel Cezar, USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Protection coordinator.
This evening, singer/songwriter Tim Gore will entertain the crowd of conference attendees.
Other seminars going on this weekend will be about hoof care, featuring a panel of ferries, a question-and-answer session with Frank Eichler regarding Walking Horse Trainers’ Association enforcement initiative, and Dr. Ronee Griffith speaking on ethics in the industry.
The public is invited to attend a presentation by well-known horse performer Tim Scarberry from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Tennessee Miller Coliseum, 304-B W. Thompson Lane.
“He’s really good. He’s fun to watch,” Zeis says.
Registration is still open and can be done in front of the Oakleigh Room at Embassy Suites. Cost is $150. For more information about the conference, visit www.walkinghorseclubky.com.
there is SO much scurrying going on isnt there ?
Here we go again. Pepsi ended their affiliation with the Celebration. Now Coca Cola will be sponsoring and selling their products at the Celebration. Here is how you can contact the local distributor in Tennessee that will be supplying the Celebration
MORE CONTACT INFORMATION: this is the local bottler that is sponsoring the Celebration. Be sure to contact Corporate Coca-Cola AND these folks to let them know what you think! Shoot, if you live near them, pop in and say howdy and take a …laptop with the HSUS video playing so everyone can hear it and see it with you!
Coca Cola Bottling Works of Tullahoma, Inc. · Tullahoma, TN United States, Phone: (931) 455-3466, Fax: (931) 455-4998, address: 1502 E Carroll St, Tullahoma, TN.
and here is their facebook page
Trying to kill the show for everyone who competes because you don’t agree with padded horse aspect of it…great.
I have kicked Diet Coke to the curb, Diet Pepsi for me! I will ask for it if I don’t see it, ask for it in restaurants, call these Coke people.
