MARYVILLE, Tenn. - Nineteen horses have been taken from a training facility in Blount County after allegations of soring.

WATE says the barn owner has been charged with animal cruelty.

Animal rescue organizations and law enforcement officials cooperated in removing the horses, some of which authorities said were barely able to stand.

Soring is an illegal horse training method that forces exaggerated gaits by injuring the animal's legs.