A man facing over 400 felony counts of cruelty to animals had his bond reduced, according to court documents.
In a hearing at the Lincoln County Courthouse on June 30, a new bond of $5,000 was set for Jerry Hine, 84. Hine has been in the custody of the Lincoln County Jail since his arrest in July 2025, with the original bond set at $25,000.
Hine’s attorney, John D. Coury, filed the motion on June 16, saying that Hine is not a flight risk and has ties to the community. He will also live at a residence in Meeker. The motion states that Hine has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and “in need of urgent treatment,” with the only facility that offers this is M.D. Anderson in Texas. The motion also states that Hine is willing to comply with any reasonable conditions set by the Court.
District Judge Sarah Bridge set the new bond, but also set as a condition that Hine is not to reside at a residence with any animals and cannot possess or access any animals or firearms, according to court documents.
His next appearance is Aug. 25. Criminal proceedings are currently on hold as they await a competency evaluation. Bridge ordered the evaluation on Jan. 30, after a request was filed by Hine’s previous attorneys, Shelly Levisay and Kimberly Miller.
Hine was arrested on July 15, 2025, after a search warrant was issued for his business, Add Love Pets, LLC, on July 14. During the search, 408 Maltese dogs and puppies were seized and taken into custody by the Humane Society of Tulsa. According to the probable cause affidavit, the dogs were severely matted and unkept, as well as afraid of human interaction.