09/25/2025
UPDATE: A plea of not guilty was entered. The trial date has been set for March 2-4, 2026.
Thank you everyone who showed up for today's arraignment. Your support means the world.
Justice for Maree: Show Up to Make a Difference
On August 15, 2025, Maree, a gentle, free-roaming 4-year-old mare, was run down with an ATV in a deliberate act of cruelty. When we found her, she was dying. She had been lying on her side for hours, unable to move. Her breathing was shallow and labored. She couldn’t even lift her head. Her eyes were no longer responding to stimuli.
When adult horses can’t get up from lying on their side, their organs begin to fail. Lungs are affected first. We made the heartbreaking decision to euthanize her to end her suffering. It was the only humane option left.
📰Read the Albany County Sheriff's Office Press Release (https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=790009647048859&id=100081194927432)
Stuart Schmidt (see official arrest picture below) was arrested and charged with Felony Animal Cruelty. Now, we understand the most recent argument made is that Maree’s death isn’t his fault because she was euthanized. As if letting her slowly die from internal injuries and organ failure would have been more acceptable.
This is deflection. And this is why we must act.
🗓️ Arraignment Hearing
Date: September 29, 2025
Time: 11:00 am
Place: Albany County Courthouse, Laramie, WY
If you believe in justice for animals. If you believe Maree’s life mattered, please attend. Let the County Attorney know we expect the maximum penalty if the person is found guilty:
💥 Up to 2 years in jail
💥 Up to $5,000 in fines
Your presence sends a message: Our community does not tolerate violence against the defenseless. We stand with Maree. We demand accountability.