IN THE BEGINNING.....

Roane County

7/10/99 - Received in four Malnourished horses from Roane County. Malnourished and covered in rain rot. Stayed in foster care for 51 days before courts ordered custody turned over to HHT. Owner charged with cruelty and had to pay fines and court cost.

20 year old mare that we named "Mustang Sally". She passed on November 24, 1999.
7 year old gelding that we have named "Blaze".
7 month old filly that we have named "Star".
7 month old gelding that we have named "Midnight".

Click HERE to see pictures of the horses mentioned above.

Union County

8/2/99 - Two neglected horses that were surrendered by owner. One, a Welsh Pony that we have named "M&M", is malnourished and in need of hoof care. Very slight rain rot. The other suffered from malnutrition and severe rain rot. We named her "Patches" and she is a sweet paint filly.

Click HERE to see pictures of this case.

Last Chance Rescue

10/1/99 - Owner was preparing to take this horse to auction. Named Molly, deemed un-rideable.

Click HERE to see pictures of this case.

Cosby Tennessee Horse Rescue

November 1999 - Owner finally SELLS second horse after "killing" first one.... When will it end?

Click HERE to see pictures of this case.

Union County

2/1/2000 - The call came at 8:00 A.M.
Gelding and mare. Mare had fallen through the ice in the pond that was frozen over last night. Water was chest high. People that found her were able to finally get her out and put her into their garage overnight because they had no barn. They had allowed the owner to pasture the horses on their property as long as they agreed to feed and water them. They had been told the pond freezes over and the ice would need to be kept broken. Owners neglected this responsibility and horses were not being cared for at all. When we arrived we found the mare badly favoring her left rear leg. After a closer look we found it swollen with a large amount of yellow discharge coming from her ankle. She could stand, but could hardly walk. After about 20 minutes, in 30 degree temperatures and blowing snow, we were able to get her moved into the trailer. Her pain seemed to go away when she seen the hay in the trailer. She was a real trooper in the 45 minutes it took us to get to U.T. The clinic had been on stand by and knew to expect us. As we unloaded them, first Licorice (gelding) then Snowflake (mare); I could tell by the looks on the faces there to help, that it didn't look good. Licorice was as we suspected; underweight, malnourished, feet in need of attention, but with some TLC he should be fine. Snowflake on the other hand was not as fortunate. After a complete check, her tendon sheath was found to be cut beyond repair. If it was caused by her breaking through the ice, trying to find something to drink, we can't know for sure. But the doctor did feel it was caused in the last 24 hours. The decision was made to have her put down. Licorice was transported to a refuge center were he will receive proper attention till the time he is adopted out.

Click HERE to see pictures of this case.

Blount County, TN - Call from concerned citizen regarding 3 horses, 1 pony in a small field. No shelter or means of protection. Have been outside during these last freezing cold weeks. They do have water and a small amount of hay gets thrown in for them to share.

Walland, TN - Informed of some horses that were for sale. When a potential buyer went to see them, they found very skinny horses in very poor health.

Maryville, TN - Call came in from concerned neighbor. Three horses. 2 in poor condition. Was only able to see 2 on drive by check. One a little thin, but looked fine otherwise. This time of year, with pasture low, a horse with a little rib showing is not considered neglect. But, we still are thankful for community concern.

Knoxville, TN - 4 to 5 horses in a dirt field. One horse is super skinny. Concerned neighbors had been trying to get something done for 4 years. After further investigation found out all was fine. Horses were being cared for like someone from California would care their horses on sand. Plenty of hay and grain available along with water. The skinny horse was due to age and allergies. Under local Veterinary care and in good condition.

Strawberry Plains, TN - Drive by, call in. Thin horse in field with no food. Horse is on the thin side, but not enough for concern. Feet looked in good shape and food & water was available. Believe it may be a older horse. Left card with the mention that a concerned citizen had offered to buy, if they would be interested in selling. Information to date: No call.

Greenback, TN - Field with no pasture or means of water. Group of skinny horses. Called in by concerned citizen. Checked out & seen no horses. Did see possible creek running through property. Informed citizen to possibly get a picture if seen again. After further investigation we believe they may have been a group of horses on the way to or from a auction.

Monroe County, TN - Mare & colt in dirt field full of broken glass. No pasture. Baby had large open wound on side of its face that the flies had blown (sorry for description). The little one would cry with weakness when mother was fed apples. To weak to try and eat on his own. Two concerned citizens had been feeding and were looking into trying to buy. Local humane society or sheriff offered no help. As of last contact they believe they have been sold to new homes. Pray they are in loving homes.

Sullivan County, TN - Malnourished horses. Local authorities will not help. Have not heard back from concerned citizen.

Knoxville, TN - One horse in a field by itself. Concerned passer-by felt it was in terrible condition. Checked out. From what we could see horse looked a little under weight but not to bad. Seemed in alert condition. Could not get good enough look at hoofs. Will keep an eye on. For now horse seems O.K. Thanks go out to the concerned individual who called.

Maynardville, TN - Two horses in a mud hole for a field. Being given piles of old bread to eat. Called in by a concerned citizen.

Philadelphia, TN - Two horses being sold by neglectful owner. One already purchased and other we are checking into it's condition.

Ray County, TN - Received call from concerned individual V.G. about a horse that is in bad shape. They received no help from County Ag Agent and little more from local sheriff. Owner is very resentful and wants people to mind their own business. The concerned citizen has found a Veterinarian that has agreed to meet with a deputy to check on horse. As we wait for the results pray that the horse will not have to endure any more suffering. Update later.

Her name was Pepper. She was in her mid to late 20's. She spent her last days standing in the cold field without enough fat on her body to keep her warm. According to her ignorant owner, she had been suffering from diarrhea for close to 3 months with no medical attention. She was humanely euthanized by a local Veterinarian with the support of a local Deputy and V.G. Today and forever more, she will no longer know the meaning of hunger, thirst or cold. She will be forever vibrant and beautiful waiting for the time when she will again reunite with V.G,. her rescuer, and they together will cross the "Rainbow Bridge".

Hawkins County, TN - Received call to be on stand by. Three horses, one steer and 26 dogs. Neglect case.

Knox County, TN - Call concerning three horses. No shelter, water, or food. During snow they were covered in ice. Found three horses in very good shape. Small creek for water and told by neighbors the owner throws in some hay. Will continue to monitor.

Rhea County, TN - Picked up the most beautiful Paint gelding. His name is Nate. The owner had to move out of state and could not take him with her. It was a difficult decision for her, but she felt he would be looked after by HHT. He has some problems with his back end and has a club foot, but has a sweet disposition. He stands 16.2 , is 14 years old and has very nice color. He will make a beautiful lawn ornament.

Sevier County, TN - Two horses surrendered into our custody to find loving homes for the. They are two "Bashkir Curlies". Their names are Henry & Lacy. They are brother and sister. They have been together their whole life and a special home, where they can be together, is a must. Henry is very friendly and loves human companionship. Lacy is a little shy. They have not been ridden.

Roane County, TN - Horse across the street from the dump. Looks in bad shape. Horse is fine. Pasture is thin due to this time of year. Roane County will continue to monitor.

Blount County, TN - Complaint came in from horse owner whose property sides with property of a local horse trader. The trader is bringing in sick animals from auctions and who knows were. Two of these horses have been found DEAD in a waterway that runs through two sub divisions. His horses have contracted Strangles from these sick horses. He has had no luck with any law enforcement. No one seems to know who has jurisdiction over this problem. HHT plans to cover all avenues to try to help with this problem. The public needs to take a stand.

By not making Coggins Tests and Shots against disease mandatory, before selling or trading of horses, we will continue to see these types of problems get worse!

Can understand the frustration this owner is having. Nothing makes this situation illegal. Have written to state representative hoping to try this avenue. Wish us luck.

ANOTHER horse DEAD! Have contacted FDA. Told to get in contact with state vet. This has got to stop!

Have not been able to contact this complainant. Phone number has been disconnected.

Sullivan County - Six very thin horses in a field. Not in our area but will find someone to investigate.

Sullivan County - Horse dealer who has had trouble in the past has many horses in bad shape. Not in our area but have contacted authorized personnel.

Sumner County - Twenty + horses in a field. Seems to be controlled breeding going on. Many very thin and the same moldy hay rolls have been there for 2+ years. Out of our area but will investigate.

After speaking with local sheriff, local humane and cruelty investigator for that area ,we feel these horses do not fall into our jurisdiction. Some may be thin but not overly. Owners are under watch all the time. They do have hay, grain and water. I will be contacted if situation changes.

Monroe County, TN - Past case has resurfaced. Mare and colt was thought to have been sold. They are now back. Colt in worse shape then before.

Owner has increased their feed intake. The sorrel colt is gaining weight and the sores on the mare are gone. The field is still just as trashy, but they now have food and water. Not much else we can do but continue to monitor.

Jefferson County - Very complicated case. Owner has many horses in need of attention. We must follow every letter of the law in this one. Owner has been arrested in the past for animal neglect.

Monroe County - Six horses in a field. Knee deep in mud. Very under weight and in poor condition.

Morgan County - Owners had sold their horse 2 years earlier and are now worried about the condition of the animal. Morgan County Ag Agent was very helpful. Would like to thank him for his help with this case. Owner has been given care information on feeding and maintenance. We will continue to monitor with the help of the past owner.

Knox County - On-lookers worried when they saw a horse in a small bare field. No grass. Rain soaked hay. Only shelter is a 2 horse trailer to stand in. Stopped by and spoke with owner. Horse can turn around in trailer. Has water and hay. Hay in fine shape. Is able to drain off. Horse looks fine. Feet are in great shape. Not the best of conditions, but nothing wrong by Tennessee Law.

Blount County - Horse in a pig pen with pigs. Very muddy. No food or water, and thin. Waiting to get directions.

Horses have been moved to nice pasture area.

Union County - Horse trader has bad conditions in barn. Horses are standing in knee deep muck.

Knox County - Two small ponies in a dirt pasture. No food. One is tied to a tree.

Knox County - Person selling very thin ponies. Will investigate.

Like all other horse traders, he uses the excuse that they looked that way when he bought them. Feeds on a persons good heart, then sells them. No laws are being broke, so nothing we can do but monitor.

Gibson County - Three very thin horses in a field with no food. Been there a few months. Bad area of town. Seeing as it is in northwest Tennessee I have contacted the local Ag Agent. Hope to get report back soon.

Great job!! The county Ag Agent did his job with great results. He took 2 sheriff's investigators and spoke with the owner. Horses are in poor condition. Two are older which may be part of their problem. The owner was informed to adjust their conditions with a feeding and de-worming program. They would continue to monitor the situation. If... some improvement is not seen in the coming weeks they would file charges. Those who live in this county should thank God their Ag Agent cares and is doing a fine job.

Knox County - Two very thin Appaloosas. No pasture.

Warren County - Horses very thin at neighbors' house. 4 had died last week.

Blount County - Nine horses in very sad shape. Underweight. Not enough to eat.

Not given enough information or good enough directions. If you see this, and you are the one who reported it, please contact us with more information.

Clinton - Two horses and one pony in small pen. Unclean conditions. Very poor condition.

Roane County - Don't know total number of horses, between 6 and 10. Very poor conditions. Owner may lack funds to properly care for.

Dandridge - Horse being sold was reported in bad shape. Stated as being under weight and in poor condition.

Horse is not in a neglectful state. Could use some good old TLC, but otherwise okay, so far. Feet needed a little work. Educated owner. Some of the other horses at this sight were in need of some attention. Will continue to monitor.

Sevier County - Two large draft horses. They came with the property, when it was purchased by the new owners. They are well fed due to lush pasture but their feet are in need of attention. New owners may wish to find them good homes.

Knox County - Owner of four horses who has not provided adequate care and attention to them for many years. We have been contacted for possible owner surrender of two. Otherwise, we will possibly be called in by authorities to temporarily house them until court proceedings are finalized.

Dandridge - Horses and mules in a junk yard. Mares being bred by jacks and stallions. Covered in scars and bite marks. No supervision. Owner is willing to sell mare for $500. Not a very safe situation. Will try to negotiate something.

Jackson County - Received letter stating owner wishes to surrender 5 horses to good home.

Local residents have decided to try and work with her so she can continue to keep.

Knox County - People abandoned a pony, 2 years ago, in a field. Keeps getting loose and into neighbors field. Next time it gets loose they will call for us to pick up.

Sevier County - Six horses abandoned on landowners' property, back in April. Lacking in medical care, food, hoof care.

Smith County - Got a call from PETA. They were hoping we could help out some people in Smith County. I called and talked with one and this is what I was told. I am still rattled over this. Pictures will be posted in the upcoming days.

For the past 10 days a man has been trying to get three horses to pull a cart. NONE of the horses seemed to know how to do this. One reared up and drove the cart's side rail through its shoulder. The hole, to this day, has never been stitched and remains. Now that the cart is broken he hitches a LARGE tractor tire and wheel behind the horse. While beating the horse, the horse breaks away. Rears up and falls over. Lays, tangled in harness for close to 30 minutes while the man kicks and beats it while removing the tangled harness. TWO DAYS ago takes yet another horse and hitches it to the same tire rigging. Beats the crap out of it trying to get it to pull. The horse rears up and breaks away. BUT.... this one takes off pulling the tire behind it. The horse runs through two barbed wire fences. As it approaches the third fence of wood it tries to stop. The tire whips past it, and they both crash into the fence. The man catches the horse. Takes it back and THIS TIME hooks the horse (STILL HOOKED TO THE TIRE!!) and TIES IT TO THE BACK OF HIS PICKUP TRUCK!!!!! Then... takes off down the road, dragging this horse and tire behind it. Beating it with a whip! The horse, still bleeding from the barbed wire, runs into the back of the truck blooding up its face. The back of this truck, I'm told, shows evidence of a 6" wide by 2" deep dent with the blood of the horse still on it. Hopefully the pictures will show this.

You are asking yourself, I'm sure, why was not something done about this. The person I spoke with has called the local sheriff, animal control, County Ag agent, even people in Nashville. No one has come out to help.

Well... currently, we are working with another rescue group to hopefully get these horses taken care of. PLEASE.... pray for this situation. Yes... I am thinking the same thing you are. Take this man and do the same to him! Am I right?!

Well, seeing as that is not a option, we must continue to fight for better equine protection.

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Blood on her stomach, bruised face.

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Above, you can see where their legs have been whipped.

It has been a horrendous day. My phone bill is going to be a whopper. Let's try and catch you all up. Pictures have been taken of all the horses. The man has 11 total. Five have been badly beaten. The County Ag agent has been called, but has not returned any of my calls. The sheriff's department FINALLY... sent out 2 deputies. Not to offend anyone, but one was a "good ole boy". He was quoted as saying, " that's the way you train one of them, by pulling them behind a truck". So as you have now guessed, they were of no help. The veterinarian we have been trying to contact has also not returned any of our calls. Tomorrow we will be trying to find a vet to make the call and the head sheriff will also be spoken to about supplying appropriate deputies to escort out to the site. Our main problem now is the neighbors are so upset, they may have made matters worse by confronting the man. Now the man is mad and threatening to sell them for soap(?). Once a veterinarian can be lined up, I will personally be going out to the site. I plan to also visit the women in Cookeville, seeing as it is on the way. Wish me luck. Anybody want to come along for the ride?

Contacted 12 veterinarians in surrounding area. NONE want to get involved. We've e-mailed the pictures to the assistant District Attorney. One witness is making a statement Monday to the sheriff. We must find a way to stop this man. We also have been informed this man spent time in prison for either murder or attempted murder. Not good news.

What a mess. The man has been shooting his gun nightly. The one witness has been unable to make statements to the local sheriff's department because he never seems to be in his office when anyone calls. Two witnesses have been threatened with bodily harm to both them and their livestock. One witness was approached at home, in the evening hours, by 4 to 5 men in a van. One man was one of the deputies (the one that said hi to the man's dog by name) who stated they wanted to search the house because they heard drugs were on site. When asked to see a warrant, they left. There was no record at the main dispatch office of this visit. This has become a very dangerous case. Due to the length of time that has pasted we will not have any chose but to sit back and wait for the man to be caught on tape inducing pain to his horses. It is sad that a horse will have to suffer again under this man. When we have taped evidence, we will bypass local law enforcement and medical help. We have veterinarians from Knoxville willing to take this on. State Police and TBI will be our back up.

Union County - Called in on a confiscation case. Dogs, horses, birds, iguanas, chickens and an opossum. After sitting 7 hours in our truck waiting for the paperwork to be signed it was too late. Horses had been moved. Only one left on property was a mustang they had adopted 2 months prior. Not enough to go on. Our services are always available when East Tennessee counties ask.

Sevier County - Stud horse being housed in a dark stall. No exercise. Lacking good hay or water.

Jefferson County - 2 Belgians. Underweight. Been going down-hill for a year. One tied at all times.

Knox County - Very thin horse in small pasture. Reported to us by school children that see it on their bus route.

Horse very under weight. Hooves look good. Seems to be an older horse.

Clinton - Report of a horse being sored. Was down for 1 1/2 days due to it.

Knox County - Older horse been in field for many years. No attention.

Blount County - Young weanling being kept in a small front yard. No shelter, 2 small buckets for water. Very thin.

November 11th - Five agents attend the Knox County auction. One of the main changes we have seen at this auction is the adults have stepped back and are now having children doing the abusing. We saw ponies yanked and pulled on with bits in their mouths; small, young horses being jumped on and ridden. Both boys and girls participated. It is such a shame to see these children taught to have no regard for an animal's well being.

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Left: So little to be so scared. Right: The hoof was cracked almost to coronet band. We were outbid. Woman who purchased her was seen upset and in tears after she went to see the prize she won. This is a small example of "Buyer Beware".

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This horse was sedated, twisted front leg, lame in the back end and a large open sore under chin. We tried to purchase before auction. Seller was asking $250. We bid on it in the auction ring. Seller refused auction high bid.

We were not able to get a picture fast enough, but there was a horse that was saddled and standing at the far corner of the stall. Another horse was tied so close to it that its head rested on its rump. After a closer look we realized it was skin & bones under the saddle. When we asked the seller to see it with the saddle off he did remove it quickly and put it back on. He said it came from a riding camp and it was just needing to be put out in pasture. We rated it a body score of 1 1/2. We never saw this horse come through auction to bid on it.

If you attend your local auctions, please be sure to show the owners that you appreciate their efforts when they show compassion for the equine. But....also be sure to tell them of the negative you experience. Auctions were meant to be a place that a person could go and sell or purchase, usable, livestock. It was not meant to be a place were sick, diseased and abused horses are pawned off for sale. If you see someone mistreating a horse, be sure to speak up. Our equine friends need us to take a stand for them if anything is ever going to change.

I am now pleading with all that read this, "HHT needs your financial help!" We can't do this alone. Without your support we don't have the resources to help those in need.

Hawkins County - Three mares. One has 2 month old foal by its side. Dirt & rock field. No grass. This mare has lost 150 + pounds since arriving on land 4 months ago. The other look pregnant and they have lost approx. 50+ pounds each. One other horse that came at the same time died while being forced to trailer. Went nuts and cut vein. Left to die in its own blood till the next day. No one cares for. Owner does not live on property. Neighbors have been feeding and watering. No medical attention such as shots, Coggins, farrier etc. Neighbors are over watching the animals starve.

Anderson County - Miniature stud horse in small dirt dog lot. No shelter, very thin.

Knox County - Two ponies found running loose in south Knox County. We will hold to give owner time to claim.

Owner came and got them.

Vonore - Horses in small corrals. One in mud with no water.

When we checked they were in corrals but had water and seemed fine. Owners may be horse traders.

Sevier County - Three horses in field, trying to get into barn to get to food. Seemed thin and very hungry.

We checked it out, but did not see horses. There was a garbage pail inside barn, filled with grain. That is what they were trying to get to.

Rogersville - Man trying to break a horse that is scared to death of him. He runs it into a barb wired fence and it cuts its eye. The eye turns white with a large bump. After saddling up one horse starts bucking. He gets off and starts jerking on the reins until its mouth bleeds. He starts punching and kicking the horse. Then went to the barn and got out a whip. This continued till the horse had welts. After trying to ride again, to no avail he grabs a board and starts hitting the horse again. He then attaches a lead line and makes a quick circle around the horse, wrapping its legs up and making it fall to the ground. When he was finally allowed back up he had bleeding rope burns on his legs.

This horse is no longer alive.

Campbell County - Four horses covered in lice. Been there one year. One has an open sore on it's neck that the flies are after.

Sevier County - Run down stables with mistreated horses.

Loudon - Horses in poor condition

Knox County - Horses in poor condition

Blount County - Young weanling being kept in front yard. Very thin. No shelter.

Hamblin County - One miniature in poor shape. Very under weight with a baby at it's side. Others in field seem fine.

Blount County - Two horses in dirt field. Poor condition

Knox County - Horse hit and killed on local highway.

Knox County - Horse had died in creek bed. Owner left there and tried to burn it. Then covered it with lime and thin layer of dirt. We are checking for possible county violations.

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.