Dear Concerned Citizens for True Horse Protection,

Today, I had a telephone conference with the attorney who will be representing the interest of the USDA and APHIS in this case.  As you are aware, this case was assigned to Magistrate Judge E. Robert Goebel by order entered January 9 2007.  Unfortunately, Judge Goebel recently suffered what was apparently a heart attack and is currently hospitalized and will be out of work for some unknown period of time.

In my discussions with opposing council, he indicated the Government's desire to file a dispositive motion based on the allegations made in our Petition.  He has agreed to file the motion within 30 days, and we will then have 30 days to respond.  Once the court rules, we will reconvene with the Judge to discuss proceeding forward.

As yet, it is unknown how long Judge Goebel will be out and to what extent this will affect, and perhaps delay further our case.  In any event, I wanted to provide you with the status report.  Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

 

Very truly yours,

David F. Broderick