(Fredericktown, MO.) The animal abuse case against Jason Hampton, the man accused of shooting a dog, hitting it in the head with a hammer, beating the animal, and then leaving it at the side of the road for dead, is dismissed. Hampton was ready for a trial setting date in Madison County when everything was abruptly stopped and the dismissal was granted. KFMO B104 News checked with the Madison County Circuit Court Clerk's office to verify the case was indeed dismissed. We have also contacted The Madison County Prosecuting Attorney's office to try and determine what happened. We're still awaiting a call back. Hampton was originally charged with Animal Abuse in the 2nd degree Subsequent Offense or by Torture and or Mutilation while the animal was still alive. It's also alleged at first Hampton admitted the crime to an animal rescue representative and then, when charges were brought, recanted the story. The dog, who became known as Trooper, survived the attack. Stay tuned to KFMO B104 News for more details as they become available.
Below: a pic of "Trooper" after recovery.
