The trials of Kachina, the Arizona horse dragging case (US)

Kachina, a beautiful draft mare, was dragged behind a truck, then beaten afterwards to get up by the driver and his 13-year old daughter, in Pinal County, Arizona.

April 9, 2009, Amado, AZ – Horse advocates attended a three day trial in March, awaiting the fate of Kachina, the beautiful draft mare (left) who on August 3, 2008 was beaten and dragged behind a truck in Florence, Arizona. After a 911 call to the Pinal County Sheriff’s office, a sheriff’s corporal arrived at the scene and spotted a horse on its side being dragged.

The driver and his 13 year old daughter, got out of the truck. The 13 year old began kicking the horse in the head, yelling at the horse to get up, while the man retrieved a PVC pipe from the back of the truck and began beating the horse, simultaneously yelling for the horse to get up. The corporal repeatedly ordered the two to stop and was forced to draw his weapon.

The horse was bleeding from the nostrils, she had numerous contusions, cuts on the lower jaw and neck, and abrasians on her hocks, open wounds from being beaten with the pipe and suffered a road rash burn due to being dragged.

The man, Gordon Allen Bates and his daughter were arrested on animal cruelty charges. On March 17, 18, 19, Gordon Allen Bates was tried and found “not guilty” on felony animal cruelty charges.

Kachina would have died if the corporal had not stepped in to loosen the deadly noose around her neck, according to individuals who attended the trial.

Kachina, in the lead at the forefront of this image, would have died if it were not for the intervention of a Pinal County, Arizona, Sheriff Dept Corporal. The perpetrators of this crime were found not guilty by a local jury. It is staggering they did so, and should hang their heads in shame for the truly tragic and dangerous message they send. Kachina has been rescued, and after an adjustment was turned out to romp and play in freedom and safety with the PMU herd at Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary, Jumpin' Jack Ranch, Arizona.

After much negotiation, Kachina was rescued by Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary in Amado, Arizona where she has found peaceful sanctuary. Kachina arrived on Wednesday April 1, 2009, and has just been introduced to the main PMU herd at the sanctuary. Kachina is looking for sponsors to help with her feed and daily care. Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary >>

Source: Edited Press Release, Images courtesy of Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary