Court Deliberates Ownership of Seized Horses in Madison County

Two animal rescue groups argue over four horses seized in a criminal investigation

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Two animal rescue organizations, Mississippi Horses and Rocking R Ranch and Rescue, are in a legal battle over the ownership of four horses that were seized during a criminal investigation in Madison County, Mississippi. The case began in October 2024 when a Canton man was arrested and convicted of animal cruelty, and the horses were turned over to Mississippi Horses to care for during the investigation. Now that the criminal case is over, both rescue groups are claiming rightful ownership of the horses.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal issues surrounding the custody and ownership of animals seized during criminal investigations, as well as the competing interests and approaches of different animal rescue organizations. It also raises questions about the standards and oversight of animal rescue groups operating in the state.

The details

The founder of Rocking R Ranch and Rescue claims the organization's adoption contract stipulates the animals should be returned to them if seized. However, Madison County Sheriff Randy Tucker said he prefers to let Mississippi Horses keep the animals due to Rocking R Ranch and Rescue not meeting certain standards. The two rescue groups spent the day in Madison County Justice Court arguing over who should have rightful ownership of the four horses.

  • The case started in October 2024 when a Canton man was arrested and found guilty of animal cruelty.
  • The four horses were turned over to Mississippi Horses to be cared for during the investigation.

The players

Mississippi Horses

An animal rescue organization that cared for the four horses during the criminal investigation.

Rocking R Ranch and Rescue

An animal rescue organization that is claiming ownership of the four horses based on an adoption contract.

Randy Tucker

The Madison County Sheriff who prefers to let Mississippi Horses keep the animals due to Rocking R Ranch and Rescue not meeting certain standards.

Matt A. Baldridge

The attorney representing Rocking R Ranch and Rescue.

Stephanie Billingsley

The founder of Mississippi Horses.

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What they’re saying

“We're not trying to make this a case about the Madison County Sheriff's Department now. And all she's ever asked from day one was, she just wants to take possession of these horses. Not really sure why it has gone to the extent that it has. She was told from the beginning that the horses would be released to her. That hasn't happened. And here we are, months later.”

— Matt A. Baldridge, Attorney representing Rocking R Ranch and Rescue (WJTV)

“We have taken horses in for this organization, so we're not sure why they're suing us. They trusted us with those horses. We've taken in several horses for them. And, you know, they've never checked on those, so. I mean, I feel like they trust us, obviously, to take care of them.”

— Stephanie Billingsley, Founder of Mississippi Horses (WJTV)

What’s next

The judge is expected to make a decision on the ownership of the four horses at a later date.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal issues surrounding animal rescue organizations and the custody of animals seized during criminal investigations. It raises questions about the standards and oversight of these groups, as well as the competing interests and approaches they may have in caring for and claiming ownership of rescued animals.