Judge recuses herself from Stratton dog case

TRENTON, Neb. — Hitchcock County Judge Anne Paine has recused herself from presiding in the case of Fred Hamilton, of Stratton, charged with having too many dogs within Stratton.

In two recuse orders dated May 8 and filed May 9, Judge Paine indicates that a conflict of interest has arisen with her presiding in Hamilton’s cases, and she orders that another county judge from within Nebraska preside. Paine did not reveal the nature of the conflict of interest.

Hamilton’s trial scheduled Wednesday, May 9, has been continued until a judge is appointed to fill Judge Paine’s position.

Hamilton is charged in two cases: CR18-25, 18 counts of having too many dogs and 21 counts of unlicensed dogs, and CR18-30, 14 counts of no rabies vaccinations and three counts of prohibited dogs.

Stratton has a limit of three adult dogs, and no pit bulls, and also requires current rabies vaccinations and village licenses on all dogs.