FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A Parkland man accused of punching a horse because the animal wouldn't obey him appeared in court Tuesday, where he pleaded not guilty to one count of aggravated animal cruelty.
James Hutchinson, 24, was arrested Oct. 6 after surveillance video from last December surfaced, showing him punching and kicking a horse named Emelia at a Coconut Creek farm.
The horse's owner, Dana Dotty, told Local 10 News that she hired Hutchinson as an independent contractor to clean the stables six days a week. She said he appeared to care about the animals and she was shocked to see the video.
"She tried to remove herself from the situation (and) he goes into her stall, locks her in and proceeds to beat her," Dotty said.
Hutchinson told police that he reacted in the heat of the moment and lost control when the horse wouldn't listen to him. He later told Local 10 News that he made a mistake.
"I don't hit animals. I don't do that type of stuff," he said.
Hutchinson faces up to five years in prison if he is convicted.
His next court hearing is scheduled for Dec. 11.
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