Adam Hollingsworth chose to ride the 20-year-old horse, without oroper shoes, for seven agonizing miles on the expressway. By the time the publicity stunt was over, NuNu had collapsed on the pavement in utter exhaustion. Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Kevin Deboni described the horse's condition in a Fox 32 News piece, stating that she was, "overheated, dehydrated, bleeding from the hooves, and with eyes so dilated they resembled 'cartoon eyes.'"

Cook County prosecutors equated what Hollingsworth did to NuNu to forcing an 80-year-old woman run a full marathon.

Hollingsworth could have chosen a humane way to protest. He could have walked the Expressway on his own feet, but instead, he put an ill-fitting saddle on an old horse who wasn't fitted with proper shoes. Witnesses have stated that he whipped NuNu when she was too tired to go on, and he continued riding her until she fell to the ground in utter exhaustion.

Animal Care workers initially believed that the ailing horse would not survive, but she is still alive and has been moved to an Illinois horse farm where she is recovering from the incident. Though she is reported to be out of critical condition, it has been stated that she was injured badly enough that she can never be ridden again.

Hollingsworth's behavior is unacceptable. Please sign the petition asking for maximum punishment for the felony aggravated animal cruelty charge, and an order for Hollingsworth to be prohibited from owning horses!

Suspects are presumed innocent until being found guilty in a court of law.

News:

ABC 7 Chicago

Fox 32 Chicago

WTTW News

Update 6/14/2021: AV sent 22,938 signatures to state attorney Kim Foxx.

Update 3/10/2021:  While in court, Adam Hollingsworth was reprimanded by Judge McHale for posting false information on Facebook in an apparent attempt to deceive and taunt court officials. Hollingsworth posted information indicating that he had violated the terms of his bond. The judge told Hollingsworth that he was "wasting court resources," and warned him that he could be held in contempt of court if he continued to do so. Animal Victory will update the petition when we have the next court date.

Update 12/10/2020: Animal Victory has learned that Cook County Judge Michael McHale has ordered Hollingsworth to turn over his horses to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. The judge is prohibiting Hollingsworth from having contact with his horses until his criminal trial is concluded. NuNu, the horse injured in Hollingsworth's publicity stunt, is still recovering from injuries, but she is expected to survive. Hollingsworth is due in court on Jan. 14.

Update 10.2.2020: Read our letter to State Attorney Kim Foxx here