Facebook pictures of Sevier Co. horse prompt investigation

TENNESSEE -- The Sevier County Sheriff's Office is investigating several pictures circulating on social media that show a man and a woman with a horse.

Animal Control Officer Phil King says the pictures were sent to his office on Tuesday and appear to show the man and woman trying to train the horse.

 

Officer King says he has been in touch with the Ag Extension Agent and is trying to learn more to determine whether a crime was committed.

 

Horse Haven of Tennessee founder Nina Margetson says, "If this is a "training" method then they are using fear to accomplish it. Not a good way to instill trust in a horse. Instilling fear in any animal is not correct handling and should never be a form of training or teaching."

 

 Many horse trainers use a widely accepted and commonly practiced method of desensitization to break horses of particular fears. It's not unusual to drag a tarp around a horse in order to help it become more comfortable with the loud sound or strange sight.

 

  

  

 

However, Local 8 News was unable to contact the people pictured in these photographs so it's unclear what their intentions were.

Our messages were not immediately returned but we will contact to try and make contact with them.

 

It's important to note that charges have not been filed in this case. Local 8 News is addressing countless messages sent to the newsroom from concerned viewers regarding the photos that are circulating on social media.

(WVLT - Dec 8, 2015)