DAVID RUSSELL ECK facing charges after several goats were found deceased in a creek in Chattanooga

- Tennessee, USA - 

On September 2, 2025, the animal shelter McKamey Animal Center received a call reporting that there were several deceased goats in Mountain Creek next to Aldi grocery store on Mundy Street in Chattanooga.

Responding agents found five dead goats in different states of decomposition.

Two of the goats had ear tags that traced them back to the Calhoun Stockyard from which officials say 74-year-old DAVID RUSSELL ECK (pictured), bought the goats.

Officials sent a pair of femur bones to Michigan State University for testing. Results showed "severe malnutrition and starvation."

The McKamey Animal Center is leading the investigation which at this time has not revealed the exact cause and time of the goats’ deaths.

The investigation remains active and forensic testing is being conducted to check for signs of abuse and neglect.

ECK is facing charges of cruelty to animals and livestock at large. He is scheduled to appear in Hamilton County Court on November 4, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

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In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

ECK’s mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

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