A Cookeville animal auction has been cited by the feds yet again after another animal dies in its care. This is the second time this year the “Triple W Arena” has been cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The auction— also known as Wilson Horse & Mule Sale was cited 15 times in March and 11 more times in September. And there are even more citations from previous years.

“It’s a constant terrifying nightmare, and they don’t know when it will end,” said Debbie Metzler, Director of Animal Captive Welfare for PETA. “They’re in a constant state of stress and for some of them they won’t even make it out alive. For the ones that do, this is only the beginning of their misery.”

Metzler is talking about the latest round of citations for Triple W Arena. They include sanitation issues and improper vet care. She adds, “a llama who couldn’t even stand up – was denied vet care, forced into the auction ring, sold, and then just over an hour later, found dead in a pen backstage. A goat was being kicked and the worker only stopped when he realized the inspector was watching him.”

Earlier this year, USDA reports show a zebra was euthanized by gunshot after lying in “distress and suffering” for hours from a possible broken back. In another case, a bison was struck in the face with a five-foot stick.

“The USDA really does need to step it up,” Metzler says. “They need to take some stricter enforcement action, because clearly, these slaps on the wrist are not working.”

FOX 17 News asked the USDA how many more animals need to die or become injured in the care of the Triple W Arena for further action to be taken. We’re still waiting for a response.

FULL STORY HERE

Photo obtained by FOX 17 News last spring show poor conditions of animals at Triple-A in Cookeville, Tennessee. (WZTV)