Madison County Couple Facing Charges In Animal Cruelty Investigation

A report of alleged animal abuse at a Madison County farm has led to the arrest of a Stockbridge man on animal cruelty charges.

The Madison County Sheriff's Office has charged 32-year old Caleb Cottrell with eight counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals.

Caleb and his wife, 33-year old Tiffany Cottrell, are also charged with endangering the welfare of a child due to living conditions at the farm.

Deputies visited the farm after reports were received by the USDA that between February of 2016 and  March 2017, about 68 cows at the farm had been rendered due to death.

They say conditions of the house and farm were deplorable, with four dead cattle located in two separate barns.

Investigators say four horses were found in another barn and were deemed to be in distress by a veterinarian.  The horses were taken to an animal care sanctuary for care and are expected to make a full recovery.