A South Philadelphia man accused of neglecting his horses learned his fate in court Tuesday. A judge found Derrick Hamm guilty of three counts of animal cruelty. Hamm was ordered to pay $4476.16 in restitution and must forfeit his horses to the SPCA. He also isn't allowed to own any animals for 270 days.
Last April a viewer tipped NBC10 off about Hamm's three horses that were being kept in a lot along the 5500 block of Grays Avenue.
NBC10 reached out to SPCA officials who discovered the horses living in a lot with a crumbling shed in the back and fecal matter on the ground.
“The back of the building is pretty well-blown out,” said George Bengal of the SPCA. “I think there are some L&I violations there. It looks like it’s ready to fall down.”
Hamm told NBC10 he had bought the horses because he wanted to start a riding school for children in his neighborhood.
“I enjoy it so I’m trying to give back to the community,” Hamm said. “Keep them off the street and give them something to do. Something positive.”
SPCA officials say the horses were malnourished when Hamm bought them but were in better shape after they were placed in his care. The real problems however were the deplorable living conditions.
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“No grass, no hay, no anything,” said Nikki Millard, a Southwest Philly resident. “When it rains they’re out in the rain.”
Hamm admitted he was behind when it came to caring for the horses and said he needed help. He also told NBC10 he understood why the SPCA believed the living conditions were unsuitable.
“I understand,” Hamm said. “I agree with them. But like I said, if somebody could help we can get it done tonight.”
The SPCA initially said Hamm would be able to keep the horses if he found a suitable home for them that met their standards. On Monday Hamm reached out to NBC10 and claimed the SPCA didn't give him enough time to do that.
"I do the best I can," he wrote. "I take care of those horses. Everyone goes through tough times. They didn't give me enough time to make the fixes. I just feel like the news and SPCA are out to get me. I just want my horses back."
The horses are now in the possession of the SPCA who will medically evaluate and treat them. The animals will then either go to a Horse Rescue or the SPCA's Danville location.
