CANTON, Miss. (June 30, 2025) — In Defense of Animals and its partner MS Horses are relieved by a court ruling upholding MS Horses’ custody of three horses and a pony seized in a shocking cruelty case. The equines, who had been adopted out by Rocking R Ranch and Rescue to an individual later charged with animal cruelty, will now remain safe under the guardianship of MS Horses — although the decision is subject to appeal.

“I’m relieved that the court has recognized the Madison County Sheriff’s Department for its admirable work and MS Horses for the dedicated care it has provided these animals,” said Doll Stanley, Senior Campaigner for In Defense of Animals. “These horses suffered unspeakably under neglect, and they deserve the peace, safety, and recovery they’ve finally begun to experience. This ruling ensures that their journey to healing can continue — and we stand ready to defend that outcome if it’s challenged.”

The horses were seized on October 24, 2024, by the Madison County Sheriff’s Department following reports of extreme neglect. In addition to the horses, deputies found 47 dogs and one cat in appalling conditions on the property. A neighbor reported that a pony had died just two weeks before the seizure — the pony was not placed there by Rocking R Ranch.

Two individuals residing at the property were charged with neglect of the dogs and cat, and later pleaded guilty to animal cruelty. All animals were surrendered to the Sheriff’s department. Photos reveal disturbing images of malnourished animals and squalid living conditions, including dogs with untreated injuries. The property was cited for multiple violations by county officials.

In three previous attempts to regain custody of the equines, courts have ruled in favor of Sheriff Tucker’s decision to appoint MS Horses as agent of the department for the care and welfare of the animals. The exhausting and financially absurd litigation over the animals is taking a toll on all involved.

Despite this, Rocking R Ranch and Rescue — the agency that originally placed the four equines in the care of the neglectful guardians — initiated legal efforts to reclaim custody, claiming they maintained a valid adoption contract. However, it is alleged that Rocking R breached that contract by failing to conduct the required follow-ups. In court, Rocking R Founder Joy Reynolds claimed near-daily contact with the adopters and submitted photos purporting to show the horses in good health as of May 2024. However, MS Horses presented compelling photographic evidence documenting the animals’ true condition at that time — two were emaciated, with ribs clearly visible — and cast doubt on the date of the photos provided by Rocking R.

This ruling marks the fourth time a court has sided with Sheriff Randy Tucker’s decision to entrust MS Horses with the care of these animals. The drawn-out litigation has drained resources and highlighted troubling questions about oversight and accountability in adoption processes for rescued equines.

“We hope this decision brings an end to a saga that has only prolonged suffering and wasted critical resources,” said Stanley. “Let this be a call to focus on what matters: protecting animals from harm and ensuring those who fail them are held accountable.”

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Images: https://bit.ly/4NeglectedEquines

Contacts: 

Doll Stanley, doll@idausa.org, (662) 809-4483
Stephanie Billingsley, MS Horses (601) 201-8522 rescuemshorses@gmail.com 
Deputy Chief Frank Riley (601) 455-4810     

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization based in Marin Co, California, with over 250,000 supporters and fighting for animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in California, India, South Korea, and Mississippi since 1983. www.idausa.org/justice4animals

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