This might be a little hard to read. It was for me and it's even harder to write about. Tennessee, the Volunteer State, doesn't have such a hot record when it comes to the treatment of animals. Dogs have been set on fire. They have been tossed back and forth like a football and dumped over the side of bridges. And, of course, the whole wide world knows about the abuse of Tennessee Walking Horses, the most gentle breed of horse there is.
Eighty-four horses in Cannon County were found sick, starving and without water. Thanksgiving came for them when the owners were arrested and the horses were trailered to the State Fairgrounds in Nashville where they are being vetted. Volunteers from all over the country are feeding and watering them and doing whatever they can to keep these poor animals alive. None have died so far. Allegedly there had been numerous complaints but apparently the authorities didn't listen or care.
The owners voluntarily went with sheriff officers when they were arrested. I'd like to volunteer to wipe those grins off their faces. What do they think this is? A joke? The guy on the left is dear old dad Charles Howland and that smirky punk on the right is his son Clint. Each face 84 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. God, I hope they fry.
