Horse neglect - 84 horses seized
Bradyville, TN (US)Incident Date: Tuesday, Nov 24, 2009
County: Cannon
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged:
» Charles E. Howland
» Clint Howland
Case Updates: 2 update(s) available
The Humane Society of the United States and the Cannon County Sheriff's Department rescued dozens of animals from a Bradyville farm Tuesday afternoon because of alleged animal cruelty.
The Humane Society seized 84 horses from the 100-acre property on Hollow Springs Road, located about 30 miles southeast of Murfreesboro.
Cannon County Sheriff Billy Nichols said he's, "Never seen a case this large, this bad."
The Tennessee Walking Horses, Spotted Saddle Horses, and quarter horses all showed signs of neglect and poor health.
Some were extremely emaciated, suffering from various medical conditions or could no longer walk.
Authorities say several dead horses were found at the scene.
Eight dogs, two goats and two chickens, all in poor condition, were also seized.
The Humane Society responds to animal cruelty cases all over the country and says this is one of the worst cases it has seen.
"We respond to large scale animal suffering," said Scotlund Haisely with the Humane Society. "On a scale of 1 to 10... 10 being the worst horse cruelty situation we've seen, I put this as an 8. This is not a good scene. This is grim."
Concerned citizens alerted the sheriff's department to the alleged abuse.
The sheriff's department then brought in the Humane Society to be the lead animal welfare organization in the case.
All of the horses are being moved to temporary shelters.
At least 6 trailers were sent to the property to transport the horses to stables at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds in Nashville.
As they reach the fairgrounds, the horses are being checked by veterinarians and given appropriate medical care.
Police arrested the two owners of the animals, Charles E. Howland and his son, Clint Howland, the same day the animals were seized.
Both men face numerous charges of animal cruelty.
They have each made their $1,500 bond and have surrendered the horses to authorities.
The Humane Society says people who want to donate feed and hay to the horses can call "Rowdy" at 240-654-7338.
Rescuers could be treating the animals at the fairgrounds for several weeks.
Then they will be sent to local rescue groups.
The Humane Society says it will soon put a link on its website for anyone wanting to adopt the horses.
Case UpdatesThe 84 horses seized in the biggest horse cruelty case in Tennessee history are all continuing to improve.
Charges await for the horses owners Eugene and Clint Howland, who are charged with animal cruelty. Because horses are considered livestock, neither man will face jail time even if there are 84 counts against him.
If a person is judged to be cruel beyond reason to dogs in Tennessee, he or she can do a year in jail and be fined $5,000. If the same is done to horses, it's a misdemeanor citation and a possible fine of $2,500.
"Starvation is an excruciating death for an animal," said a U.S. Humane Society representative. "There's no reason that it shouldn't be a felony."
House Rep. Janis Sontany has attempted to make horse cruelty a felony, but her bill has never gone to a full vote.
The Farm Bureau said there is a big difference, that horses have always been considered livestock and that the animal cruelty misdemeanor law is a good law that is working.
Horses as livestock are a business expense, and there are huge tax breaks that aren't available for a companion animal. Farmers don't want to lose that. | Source: WSMV - Nov 27, 2009
Update posted on Nov 29, 2009 - 2:05AM |
Hundreds of people are coming to the aid of dozens of horses rescued from a Cannon County farm earlier this week.
Eighty-four horses, all suffering from starvation and lack of care, were seized from a Bradyville farm in what has been called the largest horse cruelty seizure in Tennessee history.
The animals are being nursed back to health at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds since they were rescued Tuesday afternoon.
Scotlund Haisley with the Humane Society of the United States said, "This is among the worst cruelty we've seen in horses, certainly in the state of Tennessee."
The animals' ribs and other bones are noticeably visible. Investigators say they are signs the horses have been neglected.
The 84 horses, 7 dogs, 15 chickens and 2 goats were rescued from the Cannon County farm.
The emergency shelters at the fairgrounds have been set up with plenty of food, water, and veterinarians monitoring their condition.
Volunteers say it's the only place in the state equipped to handle such a large number of horses.
When the animals arrived, some of them were in such poor condition, workers with the U.S. Humane Society feared they wouldn't make it through the night Tuesday, but all of them survived.
The story has touched many Tennesseans.
In fact, by Wednesday, more than 300 people called the fairgrounds offering to help.
Ron Smith from Murfreesboro was one of them. He donated more than 100 bales of hay.
Smith, who was angered when he learned about the abuse, said, "Horses are just like any animal. They're defenseless and for someone to do this is just wrong."
Caring for the horses won't be cheap. They'll stay at the fairgrounds for three weeks, at a cost of $100,000 or more.
The horses' owners, Charles Howland and his son Clint Howland, are facing animal cruelty charges, and as the vet reports come in, more charges could be filed against the men.
Haisley said, "The resilience of the animals is amazing. Who knows their story, it's a rough road, but yesterday we put them on a road paved in gold."
Anyone who would like to help or donate supplies should email the U.S. Humane Society at [email protected]. | Source: WKRN - Nov 25, 2009
Update posted on Nov 29, 2009 - 2:04AM |
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