Penny Whitehouse wanted after 11 animal carcasses found on farmland

TENNESSEE -- A horrifying discovery was made in Macon County after nearly a dozen horse carcasses were found on a farmland.

A warrant is out for the arrest of the owner, Penny Whitehouse.

Macon County Sheriff Mark Gammons drove News 2 around the 20-plus acre property on Tarus Farms Drive in Lafayette on Tuesday.

The sheriff pointed out the carcasses of 10 horses and one donkey, all of which were victims of what he says is animal cruelty.

 

“I describe it as a bone yard for horses,” said Sheriff Gammons.

Whitehouse, 54, was the last person who lived on the property. News 2 spoke to the property owner, Beach One Properties in Hartsville, who confirmed Whitehouse abandoned the home after they threatened to evict her for being behind on her rent.

The owners were unaware of the dead animals on the farmland.

Sherry Hunter and her family discovered the carcasses Saturday while checking out the property, which is currently on the market.

Her son, Dustin Carr, and his friend made the disturbing discovery.

“The kids came out and said, ‘There’s a dead horse out there,’” Hunter told News 2.

 

“We started walking around the hill and there’s just horses lying dead everywhere,” Carr said.

Sheriff Gammons believe Whitehouse may be in Rutherford County attempting to set up another animal rescue operation.

His hope is that she becomes aware of their search for her and turns herself in to authorities.

“I just wish you call the sheriff’s office if you’re out there come talk to us, Miss Penny. We’ll be glad to talk to you and we need to wrap this up and not prolong it,” said Sheriff Gammons.

Whitehouse is facing 11 counts of animal cruelty charges.

Deputies say Whitehouse has a history with animal cruelty. She was charged with the crime in both Indiana and Michigan.

Anyone with information on Penny Whitehouse’s whereabouts is urged to call the Macon County Sheriff’s Office 615-666-3325.

(WKRN - Feb 10, 2015)