New Update Regarding Alleged Animal Cruelty Case at 2012 Fort Worth Horse Show

Our readers will recall that in January of this year we contacted the authorities that have jurisdiction in the alleged animal cruelty case that occurred at a 2012 horse show in Fort Worth, Texas seeking a progress update. We also sought comment from the American Quarter Horse Association and National Snaffle Bit Association, the two horse industry organizations that had suspended one Shirley Roth’s membership privileges pending the results of an official investigation.

At that time, both the AQHA and NSBA confirmed that Roth’s suspension with their organizations was still in effect (Jan. 2013). In January 17th and 21st conversations with Corporal Tracey Knight, a public relations/community liaison officer for the Fort Worth Police Department, she indicated that the police department had submitted all case information to the Tarrant County DA’s office. After speaking with Melody McDonald, public information officer for the Tarrant County DA’s office, we learned that they had requested from the police “more information that required further investigation.” No charges had been filed at that time, and the police had not resubmitted the case.

Now, five months later, we have received a new update.

“The case has been re-submitted to our office with additional information, and we are in the process of reviewing it,” McDonald says. “At this point, however, no formal charges have been filed.”

We also sought comment from the owner of the horse involved in the case, Gavin Rawlings. He provided the following statement.

“I’m rapt it’s actually going to trial,” he says. “Hopefully, she gets what’s coming to her. I just hope the DA continues, as I don’t hold much faith in the Texas law. They seem to have a lot of bark but not much bite. If she gets away with this it’s pretty much do as you want for any other trainer, as this will be relied on for other cases in the future. I believe it will set a great precedent or a very dangerous one.”

We would like to remind our readers that in the American criminal justice system a defendant is innocent until proven guilty, and none of these statements are intended to presume the guilt of any party. These are simply statements made by official entities/involved parties that we are relaying to our readers.

Related articles:

January 24, 2013- Update Regarding Alleged Animal Cruelty Case at 2012 Fort Worth Horse Show

October 4, 2012- UPDATE: Details of Shirley Roth Case Released by Fort Worth Police

September 29, 2012- UPDATE: Horse Trainer, Shirley Roth, Released From Marion County Jail

September 27, 2012- Horse Owner Speaks Out About Alleged Animal Cruelty Incident

September 20, 2012- AQHA and NSBA Temporarily Suspend Shirley Roth Pending Disciplinary Hearing Regarding Alleged Animal Cruelty Incident

September 14, 2012- Update Regarding Alleged Animal Cruelty Incident at Recent Fort Worth Horse Show