LANCASTER, Pa. — Another court hearing for John Stoltzfus Jr’s animal cruelty trial has been delayed once again. This marks the sixth time the defense has filed a continuance for the Lancaster County man, who is accused of drowning four puppies in cow manure runoff in 2023.

“This is not okay because it doesn’t show the public that these crimes are terrible and need to be prosecuted to the fullest,” said Carol Lutter, who is accusing Stoltzfus of dragging out his court case.

On Thursday, animal rights advocates gathered outside of the Lancaster County Courthouse to protest before the scheduled hearing. People in attendance held up signs calling for Stoltzfus to face justice for what happened on his farm.

“There’s no justice for these animals at all,” said Kathy Anderson, who helps rescue dogs from puppy mills. “Things definitely need to change.”

According to the criminal complaint, authorities began investigating on Oct. 31, 2023, after Stoltzfus notified a business client that he put four black Sheepadoodle puppies to sleep because they weren’t selling.

“If this Amish man is allowed to kill his puppies just because of their color, age and not being able to sell them, what does that say to all the other people that own these mills,” argued Julie McMurtie.

Advocates are calling for the Stoltzfus case to finally go to trial and for lawmakers to enact stronger protections to keep animals safe from puppy mills.

“Everything is just slid underneath the rug. It’s pathetic and sick,” said Anderson.

A new date for Stoltzfus to appear for a status conference has not been set.

FOX43 reached out to Stoltzfus’s defense attorney for comment on the case. However, we have not heard back as of yet.