By Tabitha Evans Moore | EDITOR & PUBLISHER
LYNCHBURG, Tenn. — Tuesday marked Metro Council member Peggy Blackburn’s first court appearance regarding her January 9 criminal summons and booking for alleged animal cruelty charges.
According to the incident report, the Moore County Sheriff’s Department investigated the animal cruelty case involving cattle based on anonymous complaints that were reported on December 16, 2025. Law enforcement were called to the Blackburn farm located on Dog Tail Road and Womack Ridge Road. State vet Dr. Jill Johnson also responded to the scene and found probable cause for the case to move forward.
The incident report listed three individuals – Billie Patrice Blackburn, Billy Joe Blackburn, and Peggy Sue Blackburn – each charged under Tennessee Code 39-14-202 for one count of animal cruelty.
{To read our full coverage of that original arrest, click here.}
In General Sessions court on Tuesday morning, the presiding judge, Judge Terry Gregory, recused himself from the case though he did not give a specific reason from the bench.
Judicial recusals are a routine legal safeguard used when a judge believes there may be a conflict of interest — or the appearance of one — that could call their impartiality into question.
Peggy Blackburn currently serves as a Metro Council member in the fourth district. In Tennessee, General Sessions judges are elected by voters, but vacancies are filled by the county legislative body or Metro Council until the next election.
A recusal does not reflect on the merits of the case or the defendant, but instead ensures that proceedings move forward under a judge with no prior connection to the matter. The case is expected to be reassigned to a judge in another county and proceed through the court system as scheduled.
Blackburn was not present in the courtroom at Tuesday’s hearing. The next court date associated with the case was not immediately available. According to court officials, Blackburn has retained Fayetteville attorney Ray Fraley.
This is an ongoing story that will be updated as additional information becomes available. •
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