Walking Horses Seized In Maryville

Activists and sheriff deputies seized 19 walking horses in Maryville on Thursday. Credit: Kathy Milani/HSUS

Another Tennessee Walking Horse trainer has been charged with felony animal cruelty on suspicions of soring. The outlawed practice involves applying irritating chemicals on the ankles of a horse. The pain produces a higher kick and higher scores in competition.

On Thursday, authorities seized 19 horses at the stables of Larry Wheelon in Maryville. Video taken by the Humane Society of the United States shows walking horses with bandages on their ankles being led into trailers.

Wheelon is a director and judge with the Tennessee Walking Horse Association. He’s been cited previously for violations of the Horse Protection Act.

A release from the HSUS says the Blount County sheriff served a warrant after receiving an anonymous tip about possible animal cruelty.

Gino Bachman, president of Blount County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, says some of the horses were “suffering so badly they can hardly stand.” They’re being kept in an “undisclosed location.”

The case does not appear to involve video from a long term undercover investigation by activists. A bill awaiting Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam’s signature would effectively ban such outside investigations and leave animal cruelty work up to law enforcement.

Last year a Humane Society investigation in coordination with the U.S. Attorney led to the conviction of Jackie McConnell, a hall of fame walking horse trainer.