SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. — Skyland Ranch is being investigated after the Tennessee Department of Agriculture received a livestock welfare complaint Wednesday.
Located in Sevierville, the attraction is set on a 100-acre farm that offers a mountain coaster, canopy walks, live entertainment, miniature animals and more. The ranch said it is home to several animals, including miniature horses, llamas, donkeys, alpacas, cows, longhorns, sheep, goats, deer and more.
Specific information on the investigation has not been made available. According to the TDA's website, once a livestock cruelty complaint is received -- it notifies local law enforcement to coordinate an inspection.
"If TDA finds that the animal’s condition suggests cruelty, TDA will work with local authorities to process criminal charges," it said.
10News reached out to Skyland Ranch. Jordan Briggs, its director of sales and marketing, said the complaint involved its longhorns. He said the investigation "lasted 5 minutes" and investigators said they looked ok.
"She saw the condition of the animals and said they were in great condition," he said, saying investigators saw the feed and space they had.
10News also reached out to TDA for updates on the Jayell Ranch investigation. In August 2023, social media users shared posts showing severely mistreated horses. The posts on social media showed horses that were malnourished with several sores. One video showed a horse with a gash and exposed bones. The posts also said horses had died on the ranch.
TDA said they are still investigating the Jayell Ranch complaint. They also said due to the open nature of the investigations, they cannot provide additional comment at this time.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is available.