Ottawa- A Franklin County couple facing felony animal cruelty charges was in court Monday. James and Glenna stokes had several dozen horses seized by authorities on April 18….authorities allege the horses were in poor health and not properly cared for. At a hearing in Franklin County District Court, a motions hearing was set for July 16th on a motion by the state to transfer ownership of the horses from the stokes to other caregivers. The state was also directed to cooperate with the defense in allowing an independent veterinarian to examine the horses. A series of other hearings is also set for later this year, with a 5 day jury scheduled for November 5th through the 9th.
