|
|
|
A woman accused of starving 12 horses in Harvey County has entered into a plea agreement on three counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals, said David Yoder, Harvey County attorney.
R.J. Bowling agreed to plea to the charges Dec. 12 during a new procedure never used in Harvey County criminal court — a criminal settlement conference.
The settlement conference long has been used in civil cases but never in the Ninth Judicial District in a criminal case.
The idea was brought to the court by Judge Richard Walker. He had discussed the use of the technique with judges who were using the process in the Kansas City area during a recent judicial conference.
In a criminal settlement conference, the judge who is assigned to the case gives the case to a second impartial judge. In this case, it was Judge Carl Anderson.
That judge sits down separately with the prosecutor and the defendant. The judge hears both sides and weighs the facts in the case.
In this case, the negotiations ended in a plea agreement.
Bowling originally was charged with 13 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. All but three of those charges were dropped, Yoder said.
Charges against Bowling’s husband, Charles, also were dropped, Yoder said.
Local horse enthusiasts concerns about Bowling’s care of her 12 horses in 2007.
They produced pictures of the horses appearing emaciated.
One horse in Bowling’s care had to be euthanized.
Unlike felony animal cruelty charges, there is no mandatory jail time for misdemeanor animal cruelty.
What sentence and any stipulations of that sentence Bowling would receive will be up to Judge Walker, Yoder said, including if Bowling would be able to continue to care for horses.
Yoder said he did not want to discuss what his sentencing recommendations would be in case.
Sentencing is set for 2 p.m. Feb. 17.
A woman accused of starving 12 horses in Harvey County has entered into a plea agreement on three counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals, said David Yoder, Harvey County attorney.
R.J. Bowling agreed to plea to the charges Dec. 12 during a new procedure never used in Harvey County criminal court — a criminal settlement conference.The settlement conference long has been used in civil cases but never in the Ninth Judicial District in a criminal case.The idea was brought to the court by Judge Richard Walker. He had discussed the use of the technique with judges who were using the process in the Kansas City area during a recent judicial conference.In a criminal settlement conference, the judge who is assigned to the case gives the case to a second impartial judge. In this case, it was Judge Carl Anderson.That judge sits down separately with the prosecutor and the defendant. The judge hears both sides and weighs the facts in the case.In this case, the negotiations ended in a plea agreement.Bowling originally was charged with 13 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. All but three of those charges were dropped, Yoder said.Charges against Bowling’s husband, Charles, also were dropped, Yoder said.Local horse enthusiasts concerns about Bowling’s care of her 12 horses in 2007.They produced pictures of the horses appearing emaciated.One horse in Bowling’s care had to be euthanized.Unlike felony animal cruelty charges, there is no mandatory jail time for misdemeanor animal cruelty.What sentence and any stipulations of that sentence Bowling would receive will be up to Judge Walker, Yoder said, including if Bowling would be able to continue to care for horses.Yoder said he did not want to discuss what his sentencing recommendations would be in case.Sentencing is set for 2 p.m. Feb. 17.
