MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Police and Animal Services seized 12 cows, a bull and five horses Thursday in Whitehaven.
The animals were found on a small farm surrounded by neighborhoods near Holmes Road and Neely.
Police said they were called to the area for loose cattle that broke through a fence. They corralled the cattle, but said they noticed the animals seemed to be in poor condition, with ribs and bones showing.
Then they found five horses in similar condition. Three of them were in a collapsing barn standing in at least two feet of manure, with no food or water, officers said.
Police said the owner was arrested, but that person’s name has not been released.
People who live by the property are sickened by the allegations.
“Nothing that’s alive need to be treated wrong or cruel or starved or anything like that,” Larry Threatt said.
All animals have been picked up by rescue agencies except for one horse that will be evaluated at MAS Thursday night.