James Houseman III (a resident of Littlestown, PA) appeared today in Maryland’s District Court for Frederick County to answer to two counts of misdemeanor abuse or neglect of horses (see Maryland Criminal Law Title 10, Subtitle 6).

The Houseman case was but one of many on a crowded, busy docket, to be heard in between restraining orders, drug charges, under age drinking and a variety of other criminal cases. The prosecution, which intends to present as many as 10 witnesses (including four vets), asked that the judge grant a special trial day devoted specifically to this one case. The prosecution anticipates that the trial date will be set for late summer or early fall, due to the crowded dockets.  The Equiery will provide updates when they become available.