Michigan animal cruelty case dismissed.

Jackson County Animal Control officers responded to a complaint about the horses and initially visited the farm. According to their report, investigating officers found "about 50% of their horses to be thin and another 10% to be emaciated." The report also indicated the horses--including Paints, Quarter Horses, and Thoroughbreds--had no access to water or grain; that their sole apparent feed source was a round bale "consisting of tree leaves and grass;" and that general debris accumulation and disrepair rendered conditions around the farm hazardous. Investigators also reported finding a dead horse in the farm's driveway.

Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Chad C. Schmucker stated "There was no finding by the District Court to suggest that either of the defendants knew their actions were wrong at the time this crime was committed or that they intended to cause physical or mental harm to any of these three animals"

This judge needs to be told that ignorance of the law is no excuse and that not providing food and water to any living creature results in physical and mental pain. If this "lack of knowledge" from adults is acceptable, then it appears, in Michigan at least, anybody pleading ignorance can get away with murder.