Gallatin News Examiner
Friday, 01/20/06
Two cited for animal cruelty
CaNesha Gordon
Staff Writer
A Gallatin couple has been cited for cruelty to animals after sheriff’s officials say they found
several animals in poor condition on their property.
Richard Kelly Potter and Sharon F. Potter, both of 1180 B Liberty Lane, were cited after someone
complained about the condition of the animals.
The Potters could not be reached for comment.
The couple had been out of town for about six days and had left a dead horse in a stall, according
to court records. The affidavit alleges that five horses, two colts and two steers were in poor body
condition. Three of the horses and two steers did not have any water.
While sheriff’s officials were investigating the case, the Potters arrived home, records show.
Kelly Potter told investigators that he attempted to move the dead horse out of the stall and was
unable to, according to the affidavit.
He told officials that the horse was 36 years old and died from old age.
Steve McNeal, the agricultural extension agent for Sumner County, went to the farm at the request
of the officer.
McNeal knew the Potters and had been to the farm on several occasions and had always found
their livestock to be in good condition, records show.
However, during his inspection he advised that six of the horses had dropped down in body
condition scores that were of concern.
The Potters made immediate arrangements to bury their dead horse and to provide food and
water to the animals that did not have it, according to the affidavit.
Friday, 01/20/06
Two cited for animal cruelty
CaNesha Gordon
Staff Writer
A Gallatin couple has been cited for cruelty to animals after sheriff’s officials say they found
several animals in poor condition on their property.
Richard Kelly Potter and Sharon F. Potter, both of 1180 B Liberty Lane, were cited after someone
complained about the condition of the animals.
The Potters could not be reached for comment.
The couple had been out of town for about six days and had left a dead horse in a stall, according
to court records. The affidavit alleges that five horses, two colts and two steers were in poor body
condition. Three of the horses and two steers did not have any water.
While sheriff’s officials were investigating the case, the Potters arrived home, records show.
Kelly Potter told investigators that he attempted to move the dead horse out of the stall and was
unable to, according to the affidavit.
He told officials that the horse was 36 years old and died from old age.
Steve McNeal, the agricultural extension agent for Sumner County, went to the farm at the request
of the officer.
McNeal knew the Potters and had been to the farm on several occasions and had always found
their livestock to be in good condition, records show.
However, during his inspection he advised that six of the horses had dropped down in body
condition scores that were of concern.
The Potters made immediate arrangements to bury their dead horse and to provide food and
water to the animals that did not have it, according to the affidavit.
