Sandra Gibbs Medina, 69 of Franklin, was convicted of animal cruelty and livestock at large, after depriving her horse, Trooper, of food.
Medina was charged on June 22, 2024, after an investigation revealed she had deliberately withheld food from a brown horse called Trooper, leaving him severely underweight and malnourished. Medina was also charged with two counts of livestock at large after allowing at least one goat to run free. Trooper and four goats were given to Hot Mess Horse and Animal Rescue, a nonprofit organization based in Franklin.
Medina, who pled not guilty to all charges, was given the maximum sentence of 45 days confinement, to be followed by 12 months of supervised probation. Medina will also be required to pay associated veterinary bills for the animals and will no longer be allowed to own animals in Macon County.
“Animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Macon County,” Sheriff Brent Holbrooks said. “Every living creature deserves to be treated with compassion and care. This case is a reminder of the importance of standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves. This conviction highlights the strong partnership between the Macon County Sheriff’s Office and Macon County Animal Services. Working together, we remain committed to protecting the welfare of all animals in our community.”
Deputy Kelly Fosler, who served as the complainant on the case, said, “I am very pleased with the outcome of this case … all animals deserve to be treated fairly as they rely on their owners for sustenance, veterinary care and housing. Partnership with Animal Control is a necessity, as proven in this case. Without them, the case would have been difficult to get a conviction.”
Trooper update
Laura Thornton of Hot Mess Horse and Animal Rescue said when they first saw Trooper, they were afraid he would not survive the trip to the rescue farm. She added that rescuers cannot simply throw feed at malnourished horses, they have to be fed on a feeding program.
Trooper is recovering and has put on an estimated 150 pounds and is keeping a surprisingly sweet and loving nature in spite of his circumstances. Thornton said Trooper walks to the gate to greet her when she arrives. The rescue also helped take in four goats from Medina’s property.
Thornton said Trooper appears to be in his 30s, so they will not be making an effort to adopt him out. Instead, he will spend the remainder of his senior years as a “pasture pet.”