A Thanksgiving Day rescue of 84 neglected equines in Tennessee has brought the spotlight to that state’s animal welfare regulations. With limited government-funded animal control resources and laws that make cruelty to horses only a misdemeanor, helping abused and neglected animals has been a challenge.
Additionally, 20 neglected dogs found at an apparently abandoned property in Washburn, Tenn. joined the horses at the State Fairgrounds a week after the horses arrived. They were brought to the Fairgrounds because the county where they were seized did not have adequate facilities to hold them.
These recent, large-scale animal neglect cases have highlighted inefficiencies in Tennessee’s ability to handle animal welfare cases. A December 8 article in Nashville newspaper The Tennessean states that nearly 50% of Tennessee counties lack animal control programs. Of those that do have programs, many do not have the authority to investigate cruelty charges.
Additionally, horses are classified as livestock in many states, including Tennessee. As a result, a charge of cruelty to horses has a maximum fine of $2,500 and no jail time. A cruelty charge involving dogs or cats is classified as a Class A misdemeanor for a first time charge and a felony for subsequent charges and comes with a higher fine and the possibility of jail time.
Tennessee State Representative Janis Sontany visited the horses held at the fairground, and has stated her intention to file a bill that would make abuse or neglect of any confined animal a felony. Past efforts to include farm animals in companion animal cruelty laws have met with strong opposition from representatives of rural communities. Equine welfare advocates are hoping that this extreme case of cruelty to horses will be a catalyst for change in how the legal system views horses.
Thanks for this good article:)
it’s a good thing animal cruelty is being brought to light
it’s about time!!! they can’t talk and they suffer so. i love horses and they shouldn’t have to suffer!!
I’m glad the horses have a place to stay!
I think if you are cruel to any animal you should get jail time, not just dogs and cats. Horses, sheep, cows and other livestock can feel pain too!
I’m glad they’re doing something about it.
My name is Mary Ann Kenned,I am a Nashville singer/songwriter whose songs are about our relationships with and love of horses,dogs,cats.
i have helped a few times at the Nashville 85 Horse rescue and become friends with the wonderful HSUS folks. What a wonderful organization,GOD BLESS them for doing the work they do to protect the innocent.
sorry, Mary Ann Kennedy
Support HSUS and orgs like them..they will change the world to make it a better place for the animals
I think that the purpose of the animal should be considered, as to whether or not it is considered livestock or not. Horses are mostly used for the enjoyment of the owner, where via. cattle and pigs are generally raised for meat. It’s terrible that people treat animals the way they do, and something should definitely be done to get better animal control programs.
Oh it makes me cry to hear about neglected horses, but hearing this lightens the mood. Go horse rescues!
I am appauled by Cassie’s comment from Kutztown – and wonder if she really meant what she was stating – namely that the utilitarian aspect of livestock determines their treatment, in other words, it is ok to abuse and/or torture animals for our meat consumption?!