FENTRESS COUNTY, Tenn. — Twenty-five horses and two ponies were rescued in Fentress County after a search warrant was executed on Leatherwood Ford Road, according to the Fentress County Sheriff's Office.

FCSO said it, along with the Department of Agriculture, executed the warrant after a tip about horses suffering from "severe malnutrition and poor living conditions." Investigators found the 27 animals in various stages of poor health on the property.

"With the assistance of Horse Haven of Tennessee and Volunteer Equine Advocates, all animals were safely seized and transported to receive the rehabilitation and veterinary care they desperately need," FCSO said.

The office said the case was an important reminder that animal neglect is taken seriously, and those responsible will be held ac

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