April 14, 2015 officers with the Giles County Sheriff's Department and representatives with other agencies executed a search warrant at 1900 Ragsdale Lane in Giles County just outside the city limits of Pulaski. Upon arrival officers saw multiple horses in deplorable conditions. The horses were in small lots that were filled with mud, water, feces and urine and in some areas it was over a foot deep. There was minimal hay available and two small wean-ling horses were found locked inside a horse trailer in the lot near the barn with no water and they were standing in feces, and urine soaked hay. The animals were not in good physical health. One of the horses had to be euthanized by a veterinarian due to severely malnourished. Officer also found seven goats from baby size to adult in a dog pen standing in urine and feces. Officers removed fifty-four horses and seven goats form the property. Jeffery Alan Mitchell age fifty owns the animals and was arrested and charged with fifty-five counts of animal cruelty. Mr. Mitchell was released form the Jail after posting a $55,000 bond. This is the third time Mr. Mitchell has been charged with animal cruelty, he was convicted twice in 2009 which makes these cases felony charges. The animals were voluntarily surrendered by Mr. Mitchell to Volunteer Equine who will treat the animals as recommended by a veterinarian and eventually adopt the animals out. Some of the animals are in very poor condition and are being monitored and treated but may have to be euthanized due to being in such poor shape.
