WKRN, Nashville, Tennessee News, Weather, and Sports |84 horses confiscated from Cannon Co. farm

84 horses confiscated from Cannon Co. farm

BRADYVILLE, Tenn. - The Humane Society of the United States and the Cannon County Sheriff's Office 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 told News 2 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.

In addition, authorities said 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 said Tuesday's 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 one to 10, 10 being the worst horse cruelty situation we've seen, I put this as an eight.  This is not a good scene.  This is grim."

Concerned citizens alerted the sheriff's department to the alleged abuse.

The sheriff's office 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 six 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 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 after which they will be sent to local rescue groups.

The Humane Society said it will soon put a link on its Web site for anyone wanting to adopt the horses.