Originally published July 10, 2009 at 10:35 a.m., updated July 10, 2009 at 10:35 a.m.
Rick Hihath
KANSAS CITY --- Two area men pleaded not guilty to dog-fighting charges Friday and will be released on bond.
Rick P. Hihath, 55, of St. Joseph; and Cris E. Bottcher, 48, Gilman City; appeared for arraignment Friday at U.S. District Court in Kansas City. Both men face two counts of sponsoring animal fighting and one count of conspiracy.
They entered not-guilty pleas at the hearing. Both had been in custody after federal agents broke up a multi-state dog-fighting ring. A judge granted bond of $10,000 for each.
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SavCedar says...
not guilty, eh? figures. it's all fun and games until someone gets arrested! abuse, torture, and neglect is simply not okay for any form of life.
July 10, 2009 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GrannyKK says...
Missouri has a new Strict Liability Law which means...... if the dog bites, you are liable. If you own one of these dogs, your insurance company will cancel you.
July 10, 2009 at 11:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Mommyof3girls says...
Not guilty? R you freaking kidding me? Sounds to me like they have plenty of evidence to convict them...they might as well give up now!
July 10, 2009 at 2:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ksmith says...
Seems like a low bond to me. They knew they could make this bond. They need to be taught a lesson not let free to do it again.
July 10, 2009 at 3:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WhoisJohnGalt says...
Other than the charges, I see NO evidence. Not any evidence, just charges. To be quite honest, this mob mentality scares me.
July 10, 2009 at 4:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
younggrandma says...
There should have been no bond. Serial killers start with animal abuse and the Judge had a good chance to show others that fight dogs that this is not OK. If they really do nothing to child killers we really can not expect that much is going to be done with these loosers. I do hope that this person is not allowed to return to teach class in the fall. I would not want him near children.
July 10, 2009 at 5:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
truthbetold says...
I think they should get in the ring with the dogs and see how they like it.
July 10, 2009 at 5:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
matt says...
I believe Mr. Hihath used to be a wrestler, so he might do well in the ring.
Maybe South Holt will hire him as a wrestling coach again, arn't they the Bulldogs???
July 10, 2009 at 9:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )