A Stroud man who owned an alleged puppy mill will undergo a competency evaluation, putting his criminal case on hold.
District Judge Sarah Bridge ordered on Jan. 30 that Jerry Hine, charged with 408 felony counts of animal cruelty, undergo the evaluation. His counsel announced the intention to file for one on Jan. 27, and Judge Bridge ordered a status conference for the following Friday after Hine expressed his disagreement, insisting that he’s competent to stand trial. He was set to start trial in the next jury term on Feb. 2.
Bridge explained the process to Hine on Friday, telling him that they would stop criminal proceedings until a professional evaluation is provided to his counsel Kimberly Miller, the District Attorney’s Office and the court. Hine said he was sure the evaluation would find him competent.
The State didn’t object to the order, saying they trust Miller’s assessment of the situation and that they agree with the need for the evaluation.
“I just want to emphasize that I don’t think she’s misleading the court in any way, and I do think that there are some serious concerns just based on what I have heard in court from Mr. Hine,” said Assistant DA Rachel Thompson.
A competency hearing has been scheduled for March 3, with a status conference to be held on March 24.
Hine was arrested on July 16 after a worker at an animal rescue reported to the Stroud Police Department the unsanitary conditions of his breeding business, Add Love Pets, LLC, among other things, according to court documents.
More than 400 Maltese dogs and puppies were removed from the property and taken into the custody of the Humane Society of Tulsa.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, SPD, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Humane Society, and other volunteers from various animal shelters were present for the removal operations on July 15.
Hine was charged with the felony animal cruelty counts shortly after and pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Sept. 16. He has maintained his innocence at every hearing, stating on Jan. 27 in open court that he did nothing wrong.