LYNCHBURG, Tenn. — On Friday, Metro Moore County Sheriff’s Department officials booked council member Peggy Blackburn, age 63, of Dog Tail Road, as well as a family member, on a criminal summons for animal cruelty charges

According to an incident report acquired by The Times as public information, the Moore County Sheriff’s Department investigated the animal cruelty case involving cattle that was originally reported on December 16, 2025.

According to the report, an anonymous complaint was received regarding dead cattle located on Dog Tail Road and Womack Ridge Road in Shelbyville. The cattle were reported to be under the care of Peggy Blackburn. Investigator Michael Thomas responded to the area and observed cattle in a pen on Dog Tail Road that appeared injured. The report also states that two dead cattle were observed on Womack Ridge Road in an advanced state of decomposition, with bones exposed.

The investigator contacted the Tennessee State Veterinarian’s Office, and Dr. Jill Johnson responded to the scene. The cattle in question were shown to the veterinarian for further assessment.

The incident report lists 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. All charges are currently listed with bond amounts of $0.00 in the report. Under Tennessee law, criminal summons do not require a bond. Billy Joe Blackburn was charged but not booked.

Tennessee Code Annotated 39-14-202 defines cruelty to animals as making it a crime to intentionally or knowingly torture, maim, neglect (by failing to provide food, water, shelter, care), abandon, or transport an animal cruelly, with penalties ranging from a Class A misdemeanor (first offense) to a Class E felony (subsequent offenses or severe cases).

No additional details or conclusions are provided in the incident report at this time. •

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