starving horse

‘ON DEATH’S DOOR’: COOKEVILLE ANIMAL AUCTION CITED BY FEDS, LONGTIME ATTENDEES SPEAK OUT

WARNING: Photos in this story may be difficult for some viewers/readers. Discretion is advised.

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A Middle Tennessee exotic animal auction was cited by the feds for mishandling animals, improper vet care, and sanitation issues following an inspection from the United States Department of Agriculture. The Triple W Arena was issued 15 citations having to do with animal suffering.

Photos were sent to FOX 17 News from concerned viewers after a critical USDA report.

“Most people would consider them on deaths door in a lot of cases.” A middle Tennessee man, who wants to remain anonymous, initially started going to the Triple W Arena as an auction consumer, before quickly growing concerned about the wellbeing of the animals.

ALSO READ: Middle Tennessee exotic animal auction cited by feds for improper vet care, sanitation

Others felt the same, flooding FOX 17 with photos of animals that appear to be neglected with no water and open wounds.

“Every auction that I’ve ever been to there – there’s been at least 5-10 animals that are in horrific condition,” says one man.

But one incident that he says stands out to him, involved the treatment for an injured horse.

“They whipped him to get him to go because he couldn’t walk,” he said. “Whipped him across- then the auctioneer called him an arithmetic horse, joking he comes with three legs and has to carry the one.”

According to recent inspection reports obtained by FOX 17 News. One zebra was euthanized by gunshot after being left unattended for hours while “violently moving “its body in “distress” due to a possible broken back

The USDA report reveals more citations after auction personnel struck a bison with a five-foot stick in the face and head.

FOX 17 News went to the Cookeville site on two different occasions, we questioned a man who claims to be one of the auctioneers. He said he did not want to comment on the citations.

We then sent an email a week later to see if they changed their mind. However, we did not get a response, while local residents demand accountability.

“It feels a lot like the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing as far as who’s job it is to enforce the laws. And because of that back and forth nothing gets done,” one man says.

Related Posts

UPCOMING EVENTS

No Events

View More
CONTACT INFORMATION

3B Media
105.7 The HOG / Spirit 101.9/ 93.3 The Ranch
94.1 The VIBE / 98.9 The WOLF
37 South Drive
Crossville, TN 38555

Phone: 931-484-1057
Fax: 931-707-0580

SEND EMAIL
  • Open Weekdays M-F 9:00-5:00