Owner charged after discovery of malnourished horses
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LAUDERDALE COUNTY, Tenn. — A horse owner has been charged after a handful of malnourished horses were found in Gates. According to a press release from 25th Judicial District Attorney Mike Dunavant, Mark Crook is charged with six counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty for knowingly and unreasonably failing to provide necessary food, water, care and shelter of horses in his custody. Crook is an investigator with the Ripley Police Department, according to Lauderdale County Sheriff Steve Sanders. On July 17, a caller complained to the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office that about five to six horses whose ribs and bones are showing were at a location on 4th Street in Gates. Animal Control and Rescues and UT Martin Extension Office were alerted of the situation and investigated the claims before charges were brought against Crook. The horses will be cared for by a Fayette County veterinarian and the American Humane Association Red Star Animal Emergency Services Team. The Lauderdale County General Sessions Judge has recused herself from the case, and Crockett County General Sessions Judge Paul Conley has been appointed as a Special Judge in the matter. Judge Conley set a bond amount of $3,000 and ordered as a further bond condition that the defendant have no contact with any animals during the case. Lauderdale County General Sessions docket for Sept. 26
