Offender Walks Free After Horrific Animal Cruelty Case

Further to the story published on Horsezone last month regarding what has been described as one of the worst cases of animal cruelty that has been before a court - anywhere, the Texan immigrant responsible for flogging a horse to death with a lariat has walked free.

The decision by Bowen magistrate, Athol Kennedy, to impose a fine-free two-month suspended sentence on Hugh Meixner last week has astounded everybody - hardened horsemen, the prosecutor and politicians as well.

Meixner admitted flogging the horse so hard it "peed itself".

Prosecutor, Sergeant Dave Blundell, said the horse's head was swollen, both eyes were closed, there were lacerations to legs, welts on the back, grazes on the face, rope burns, a large haematoma in the vulva area of the mare, and internal injuries that caused it to pass blood.

The Member for Burdekin, Rosemary Menkens, has called for the American's temporary work visa to be immediately revoked. "Australia should no longer tolerate him," she said. "We do not need, and should not allow, an individual who now has a criminal conviction to remain in this country. He was lucky to avoid prison, but his visa should be cancelled immediately and he should be put on the next plane to Texas."

Meixner was drunk when he delivered the horse in Charters Towers after a 300km trip from Byerwen Station, Newlands, the prosecutor said.

"Meixner said the horse had thrown itself down during the trip and told police he had not struck the horse," Sgt Blundell said.

"The horse could not stand up, was biting its stomach to relieve pain, and was eventually put down."

Defence barrister, Bronwyn Hartigan, asked for a good behaviour bond, as "this was different to other animal cruelty charges".

Meixner was ordered to pay $2500 restitution to the horse's owner.