CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP, abc24.com) - Three men have pleaded guilty in federal court in Chattanooga to abusing horses in violation of the Horse Protection Act.
Sixty-year-old Jackie L. McConnell of Collierville, Tenn.; 50-year-old John Mays of Collierville; and 30-year-old Joseph R. Abernathy of Olive Branch, Miss., entered the pleas Tuesday. They are to be sentenced Sept. 10.
Prosecutors said McConnell and his wife own and operate Whitter Stables in Collierville, where he trains and boards Tennessee Walking Horses for shows. Mays and Abernathy worked for Whitter Stables as assistants, grooms and farriers.
Just last week, the Humane Society of the United States released a video of horse abuse that led to indictments in the case. The undercover video was taken in 2011 at McConnell's farm.
Charges are pending against a fourth person.
