Two Charged with 17 Counts of Animal Cruelty

According to Macon County Animal Control Officer Corey Lawrence, a Gallatin woman uploaded a photo of a malnourished dog located in Pinewood Trailer Park to a social media site and it was shared by others until it got the attention of Nashville’s Channel 2 News. 

The news station called Lawrence and reported the photo, and the officer began his investigation on Wednesday, November 11. 

During his investigation, Officer Lawrence located the dog in the photo tied up at the residence of Paula and Michael Tracy – 1164 Siloam Church Rd.

A total of 17 dogs, one cat and an 8-foot python were located inside and outside of the Tracy property, with many of the dogs appearing to be unhealthy.

Photos were taken, all evidence was presented to the Macon County Sheriff’s Office and on Thursday night, November 12, the animals were removed from the home and brought to a vet to be examined.

All of the dogs were found to have parasite and fleas and one had a severely broken leg that needed to be amputated.

These poorly treated dogs are currently up for adoption and the Macon Spay/Neuter Association is offering to pay for them to be spayed or neutered and vaccinated at no charge to their new owners. Others will be taken to rescue centers.

The python was given to a Cumberland University reptile specialist. 

Forty-seven-year-old Michael Tracy is a registered sex offender and will likely face probation violation charges. Paula Jean Tracy, age 43, is employed at a local care and rehab facility. 

Both turned themselves in at the Macon County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday, November 14, and posted their $3,500 bond. They are scheduled to appear in general sessions court on December 2, 2015.  

 Officer Lawrence would like to remind everyone to report any instances of animal abuse or neglect by calling him at (615) 388-8956.