2001

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Dickson County: 12/2001 - Poor living conditions - at least 5 horses and many dogs are on this property.

Greene County: 12/2001 - Report of a horse owner's extremely abusive "training" practices.

Murfreesboro: 12/2001 - Report of 4 or 5 horses, and several goats, coralled on less than a 1/4 acre lot. Property is on a busy road, very close to train tracks. Fence and barn do not appear to be in stable condition.

Hamblen County: 12/2001 - Report of show horses being abused and beaten by a minor.

Chapel Hill: 11/2001 - Four horses on 1 1/2 acre lot with no shelter. No hay in three weeks. Spotted horse in very bad condition.

Campbell County: 11/2001 - Small pony with pigs and chickens. No hay or water. Humane Society can't do anything, no jurisdiction.

Middle Tennessee: 11/2001 -Owner of 8 horses must remove from property immediately. Range in age from 3 years - 18 years. Not halter trained.

West Tennessee: 10/2001 - Local breeder is housing a foal that is under weight and living in filth because she doesn't like the color it was born.

Knox County: 9/2001 - Local stable owner was witnessed kicking and hitting three horses by children and adults before a ride. Also keeping a very thin horse that her daughter mentioned, "her Mommy didn't like it so she didn't feed it much".

UPDATE: Horse owned by stable has crack up to the coronet band in two feet. Chunks missing. When asked when farrier comes out they stated every week. Other horses we were able to see on the property seemed in good health. Did not see very thin one. Very little pasture. Said they filled in with hay. Hay seen piled near by seemed very old, wet and dark colored. Will return to look at horses feet again and to see if feeding this hay.

Sevier County: 8/2001 - Palomino with dislocated hip. Seems in pain.

UPDATE: Has been removed.

Monroe County: 8/2001 - Back Yard horse breeder confining 6 animals to a confined 17' X 17' corral. No food or water. Two ponies tied to dog chains. One to a tree and another to a dog house.

UPDATE: Final outcome from court 5/14/02 - Owner banned from owning horses in Tennessee for 5 years. Horses currently in this person's custody must be turned over to the state. A special "thank you" to the Judge, Sheriff's Dept. and veterinarian, who put these animals' welfare first and realized that there really was a problem.

Campbell County: 8/2001 - Remains of dead horses in the back waters of Norris Lake. Property rented and renter is a horse trader. HHT is working with EPA and State Vet to get something done. If you will look closely at the pictures below, you will see a blue lead rope that has been tied to the horse's back leg to drag it. There are no signs that the horse was put out of its misery with a bullet.

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Many other horses, foals and lamas have been seen in bad shape one day, and gone the next. How many are in our lake that we do not see the remains of yet?

UPDATE: EPA and state ag agent are investigating.

Knox County: 8/2001 - Horse being used as a carnival attraction grossly over weight. Tied up and made to stand days in one place. Legs swollen and wrapped with bandages. Sores on its legs. After owner was told of numerous complaints he had UT come in and check and put salve on the sores.

Roane County: 7/2001 - Older, malnourished horse at the auction was ridden for two hours before collapsing and having to be put down. Blood dripped from its nose as a bystander called authorities. Thanks go out to those who took a stand. We hope Big John rests in peace.

Knox County: 6/2001 - Long feet, small paddock, bloated, no water. Neighbors feeding.

Dunlap Area: 8/2001 - Two horses, one now dead. Nothing to eat or drink, but moldy hay. Warrant filed and owner arrested. Horse "Taylor" (named after the DA) doing well in foster home.

UPDATE: Adopted by foster family. Owner found guilty and surrendered horse.

Hamilton County: 9/2001 - Two thin horses. There were three, but one died.

Dickson County: 9/2001 - Two malnourished horses. Agent working with local Humane Society.

Wilson County: 9/2001 - Trader bought a stud from a woman, 12 months ago. She went out to see him this year and found him locked up in a barn, starved to keep him calm. Goes to show you even when people pay $3,700 for a horse, it doesn't mean they'll take care of it. There must be 70 mares and foals running around on this property. I guess he got his money's worth out of this guy.

Grainger County: 6/2001 - Walking Horse abuse. "Smoke on the water", Hot Mustard Diesel Fuel, Screws implanted to deliberately quick them.

Campbell County: 6/2001 - Herd of starving horses. Some have already died. One dead horse in the lake where the horses get their water. Owners have been in trouble with the law before.

Lauderdale County: 7/2001 - Very thin horses. Owner is going through a divorce and not financially able to care for them. After much deliberation, a local Good Samaritan stepped in with the offer to pasture, and care for, in the hopes the owner can get back on their feet. Thank you, Cindy.

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Sevier County: 7/2001 - Stable using horses with open sores and in poor physical health. Have received numerous complaints from public.

UPDATE: After a surprise visit, this is what we found. Open saddle sores, horses missing shoes, one horse walking on its frog because the hoof was all chipped away. Horses tacked up and standing in 92 degree weather with no shade or water. Working continues from open until close. Made to climb steep, rocky trails missing shoes. Old, thin horses being used with three pads and egg crate pieces jammed into ill fitting tack. Girth sores, breast strap sores, tails with hair falling out due to lack of nutrition. One horse had colic and was shot days after they were advised to take it to UT for medical attention.

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Knox County: 6/2001 - Horse tied to a swimming pool in the front yard. Very thin.

UPDATE: Owners have had since December. It is a body score 1. Broken teeth. Very emaciated, dull coat. Water hasn't been changed in a long time. Larvae moving around in the brown water. No hay. Been feeding oats twice a day. Have not de-wormed. Horse has large infected cuts on its back legs. Treating with stuff from Co-Op and what vet told them over the phone. (I'll be speaking with them both). Tumors on the body, tongue hangs out side of its mouth. Teeth need floating. Feet are a mess. Long, broke off. Told to get vet and farrier out ASAP. Will recheck in two days. We must educate, before we can take action. Owners seem ignorant of proper equine care.

UPDATE: Owners feel that the horse looks better. There was clean water and hay now available. Still no vet check. Farrier was supposed to come out in next 24 hours. On recheck, if nothing done with feet, we will start actions.

UPDATE: See Horses Available for Adoption - "Sadie".

Knox County: 7/2001 - Three horses in an approximately 12 X 12 garage. Knee deep in manure. No water. Thin. Another horse in a 12 by 20 area. No water. Two horses in round pens. They seem fine.

UPDATE: Spoke with owner. Hard times, due to illness in the family. Doing the best they can. Stated they would get someone out to clean out the manure. Neighbor is watering 3 times daily. They seem to be knocking it over. We have educated and plan to recheck.

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You don't have to have a fancy barn as long as the horses receive proper nutrition, clean water, vet care and clean living space.

Roane County: Thin horse. Depressed, no shade.

UPDATE: Have educated, now must monitor & recheck.

Morristown: 6/2001 - Emaciated horse. Open sores. Owner was told to dispose of by first of the week or get fined. She contacted us to come and get.

UPDATE: Horse is very poor shape. Other horses on the property. In poor condition. Informed owner we would not be willing to take on her responsibility to dispose of sick horse unless she allowed us to take and care for others. Owner refused. Worse horse had been like this for at least 2 weeks. Also found lice. We educated on proper horse care and informed we would be back in one week to re-inspect. She welcomed us back any time.

UPDATE: Sick horse was disposed of. One horse moved across the street into a pasture. We will continue to monitor.

Sevier County: 6/2001 - 5 horses in small muddy lot. 2 are pregnant. No food or shelter. To date have received 3 complaints from different individuals.

UPDATE: One mare has given birth to a foal that became tangled in wire we have been informed. After being taken to a vet it died. Only have seen two other horses. The mare that gave birth is supposed to be in bad shape and had fallen into a pond according to the reports we have heard. We seen no signs of this horse when investigated. One of the horses we did see was in very thin condition. Body score 2 1/2. Small dirt lot with no traces of hay.

UPDATE: Contacted by owner. Stated his horses were fine and he had done everything possible for the foal that died. Stated the mare was thin because she had given birth. When asked if the other horse had been under the care of a veterinarian, he said no. He insisted he took good care of his animals and that he had them on over 4 acres of land (woods). When he started to become irate, I informed him we had just received a few calls and had checked out the complaints like we try to do to all the ones we receive. I asked if he was in need of any hay or if we could be of any help locating him some. When he started becoming defensive and asked if we were planning on taking his horses, I informed him that was not our intentions for being there and that we were just checking out complaints we had received and would turn over our findings to the proper authorities. What they did with it, was up to them.

UPDATE: Received a registered letter from owner stating all we wanted to do was get his horses so we could sell them for our own use. Our adoption fee of $250 barely covers most vet bills on the animals we take in. Accused HHT of having nothing better to do than to drive around looking for horses we could take away from people. We only check on complaints we receive from the general public, and then only certified cruelty investigators check out an actual complaint. He threatened us with legal action if we ever came back around his property. Property runs along a public road. Said we were saying bad things about him to neighbors and local businesses. Spoke to two neighbors and asked how long the horses had been on the property and if their overall conditions had changed. Never spoke to any businesses. Did stop at a local business 2 miles down the road concerning personal matters.

Roane County: One horse in small, trash filled, pasture. Very thin and ribs showing a lot.

Campbell County: Owner had 5 horses at start of the winter, now down to 2. No grass, living in a mud hole. Very poor condition.

Petersburg: Thirty to forty horses in two pastures. Must be a trader? Two dead babies being eaten by buzzards.

UPDATE: By the time we received this call through another rescue in Georgia the babies had finally been removed. The horses had gone through a rough winter according to the complainant. Now that pasture was coming back they hoped to see improvement. They will monitor.

Roane County: Very bony horse in a square lot littered with metal and no grass. No water visible.

Monroe County: Two horses in very bad condition.

Not sure which county: Two horses were seen in an out of the way pasture while some men were hauling out junk cars. Hooves super long and curling way up. Trying to get complete directions.

Murfreesboro area: Three thin horses. One estimated body score of 1-1/2. Been there a few years. No attention.

Knox County: Horse in very small, dirt lot. Seen in driveway daily.

UPDATE: There were two horses on the property, housed in two small corrals in back yard. Each had on blankets and seemed in good health. They both had water and hay and grain buckets were seen. After speaking with a neighbor that was outside we found out they are only being housed temporarily there. We will continue to monitor. Don't see a problem at this point.

Monroe County: While doing a routine inspection for possible adoption, the following pony was found, in need of foot care. This property was turned down for obvious reasons. We are checking with owner to get this animal proper care.

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Loudon: Person selling sick and thin horses. Others on property very bad shape.

McMinn County: Two lame horses in pasture which is a junk yard. One having problems walking. Fencing is inadequate and there is a possibility that the horses can walk over and into the road.

Quoting those boys in middle Tennessee, "But that's how we train a horse around these parts." ~spit~

Sevier County: BLM adopter moves and leaves a Mustang. After 3 months, landowner contacts BLM to come and get.

UPDATE: Horse has been placed in good home.

Campbell County: Training stable using very bad techniques. Tail breaking, chaining and soring.

CIRCUS ALERT! We have been contacted by someone in Charlotte, North Carolina who has seen one of the traveling circus troupes using a lame horse. It is a gray approximately 14.2 hands. The horse has ringbone and the rider seemed aware of the problem. They did not contact authorities in time and the circus has left. It is due to be in Knoxville or Atlanta this weekend. If anyone should see this horse being used, please contact proper authorities in that town. HHT will check on the Knoxville group.

UPDATE: No luck. If any sees this, please let us know, or contact local authorities.

Cookeville: Past case has come back into place. Owner unable to care properly for 5 Arabians has contacted us to come and get two NOW. One is a 10 year old stud and the other a 20 year old mare.

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This is the other stud Arabian in his make-shift lot and shelter. Two mares occupy separate lots in the rear of the house. Owner does not wish to part with them at this time. They are receiving proper feed but lacking in maintenance. We are trying to work with owner regarding their living conditions.

UPDATE: Stallion has gotten loose, one mare has abscess under jaw and the other has no hair on it's tail. Going to go back and discuss surrender with owner.

UPDATE: Owner surrendered one more. (See Available for Adoption page) Place in bad shape. Due to owners bad health and finances the horses are lacking proper vet care, feed & water. We left owner with feed and salt blocks. Still trying to find her some hay.

While there, we fixed her make-shift fence to keep one horse from constantly getting out.

UPDATE: We were able to track down some hay but she refused it when it was delivered. Her daughter and neighbor have each had their phone disconnected. We are trying to find a way to have a past due phone bill she owes paid for and local service hooked up. Any financial help on this would be greatly appreciated.

UPDATE: We want to thank our volunteer from that area that took owner some hay. After further consideration the owner is now ready for us to place the last two after one receives some needed veterinary attention. Watch web site after May 1st for their adoption posting.

UPDATE: Owner is not ready to part with the last two. We will continue to monitor.

UPDATE: Owner has surrendered over the last two for placement. Currently being handled through our Nashville Satellite Center.

Tennessee: Contacted by owner for possible placement of a 16 year old Appaloosa stud. He is blind in one eye. Has been an intricate part of the owners' lives. They wish to find a loving retirement home, where they know he will be cared for, from now on.

Blount County: Past case has resurfaced, but this time, a lot worse. Young horse has been in field with no shelter. Stood for three days during recent snow, back to the wind and head down. Horse went down and did not get up. It was alive because witnesses saw, and videoed, it trying to get up but too weak. Owner came home with a bobcat and dug a hole behind the barn. Went and picked up horse, still alive, in the bucket. Carried it to the hole behind the barn, still moving its head and thrashing its feet. No gunshot was ever heard. It is our belief that this horse was buried alive. Witnesses have finally agreed to work with HHT to try and stop this equine abuse before another one has to suffer.

UPDATE: Statements have been received. We now wait to see if the County DA will take the case.

UPDATE: Not enough to warrant an investigation, we are told.

Knox County: Horse being kept in horse trailer. Been there for 2 to 3 weeks.

UPDATE: Horse in okay shape. Due to the bad weather the owners did not want him to have no shelter. They put him in a 4 horse stock trailer, during bad weather, till they could build a shelter. Seemed to care for the animal. Educated and will continue to monitor.

Knox County: Three horses not being cared for. One terribly thin.

UPDATE: Spoke with owner. All three are Arabians that he has raised since small. One is 20 years old and thin. He thought that was reason foe condition. Owner is very receptive to education. Wanting to do what is best for his horses. Will work with and monitor.

UPDATE: All horses in worse shape. Hay is of very poor quality and no water visible. Will contact proper authorities. We have educated to no use. Must take action before situation gets any worse.

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DeKalb County: Two horses. Owner had purchased about a year ago for daughter. Once the thrill wore off the attention stopped. Owner does not live close to property. Horses kept getting out due to lack of food and run down fencing. Owner has placed in small corral with no shelter, food or water. Been there 3 weeks with a old, moldy bale of hay. Neighbors have been feeding and watering. One neighbor wrote him a letter explaining their concern before contacting us.

UPDATE: Contacted local Ag Agent. They will check on. We sent out a agent to get a look and take pictures. One horse very thin. Missing most of its mane. Owner has brought out a new, round bale of hay.

UPDATE: Pictures show one horse very thin. Sheriff has gone out and left note for owner to call. HHT will follow through also with a letter to the owner offering to place them if he agrees. Also will send educational material.

Monroe County: Owner keeping horses in small paddock areas. Very muddy and in bad shape. Owner has past shown violent tendencies. Must handle carefully. This county is very hard to work with.

UPDATE: Owners seem to be horse traders. Horses never there very long. Been informed owner does carry a gun.

Cumberland County: Stable using very thin and sickly horses.

Blount County: Two Mustangs purchased a few months ago at the BLM Auction. They are in a barn with leads attached and no food or water.

UPDATE: Contacted BLM. Everyone is out till the first of the year. We are going to try and get written consent to check on these animals that BLM adopts out in our area.

UPDATE: BLM has agreed to give HHT the authority to check on mustang calls in our area. This will speed up the process of checks. Just waiting for the official letter to begin.

UPDATE: BLM contacted owner we would be coming to inspect. Owner had 4 days to prepare for our visit. What we found made our hearts ache. Three to four year old mare in a corral (newly installed) with halter embedded in her head. The sore it has caused has seeped so bad it has dried and stuck to her head like glue. Her feet are so bad she is walking on her heels. She will need to be sedated to have feet trimmed and halter removed. Dangerous debris is scattered in the field. The other Mustang, a young stud, is missing. Owner stated it was there the night before. Strange... we did not see any evidence of horse manure or tracks in the field. Where is this young stud? It is a bay with black markings. If you are aware of this horses location, or can give any information leading to it, we would be forever grateful. We estimate he is around one year old.

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It seems that if this horse will get this close to Nina after only 2 visits, she would have allowed the halter to be removed long before this, if someone had been working with her. Four to five months is an awfully long time.

UPDATE: Veterinarian came out, sedated and removed halter.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we try to help those who can not help themselves. Pray that our state laws will be changed to allow us the authority to pull a horse in need of help, without having to go through all the red tape. Pray that our local law enforcement will take our request seriously and try to intervene when needed. Please continue to help support us financially. A lot of man hours and gasoline go into checking out every case turned over to us to investigate. Your donations allow us to continue our fight against horse abuse & neglect.

If you would be interested in volunteering, adoption, or need to surrender a horse to a good home, please contact HHT. We will send you the correct application.