Crime & Safety

Petitioners Demand 'Maximum Sentence' for Accused Horse Abuser

They want Hillsborough County State Attorney Mark Ober to seek a five-year sentence in the case against Linda Evans.

The story of a former race horse that authorities say was abused by her owner came to an end in late May when the folks at Equestrian Inc. decided euthanasia was the most humane option for the severely underweight horse.

Jolie, who weighed only half of what she should for her age, was seized from owner Linda Evans by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and remanded to the custody of the nonprofit horse rescue. Evans, who was subsequently charged with felony animal cruelty, voluntarily turned over three other malnourished horses.

While pleas from animal right’s activists and horse lovers in general for Evans’ arrest were answered May 30 when Evans turned herself in at the Hillsborough County Jail, those close to Jolie’s story aren’t stopping there.

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A group called Justice for Jolie has formed, pulling people from all over Northwest Hillsborough County, and beyond who are interested in working to get the Florida Legislature to pass tougher animal cruelty laws. They’re also spearheading a petition that seeks to ensure Evans will face the maximum sentence if convicted.

“This petition's purpose is to lend a voice to Jolie so that justice can be served in her name,” said Janne Boone, board secretary for Equestrian Inc. and a volunteer. “We want some good to come out of her needless and preventable death due to the neglect and abuse she suffered.”

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The petition is directed to Hillsborough County State Attorney Mark Ober and tells Jolie’s story while asking the prosecutor to “pursue the maximum sentence available.”

The petition’s goal is 500 signatures. It was nearing 400 earlier this week.

Boone is asking that anyone with an interest in helping out take the time to sign the online petition. It’s available on ipetitions.com.

 “The more signatures we can get, the stronger the message,” she said.

A court hearing in Evans’ case has not been set as of yet, according to court records.

The Justice for Jolie group will host its next meeting July 10 at 6:30 p.m. A location has yet to be determined.

For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page. You can sign the petition here.

What are your thoughts on Florida’s animal cruelty laws? Tell us by commenting below!


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