Nashville teacher charged in school emu death was previously cited in alpaca deaths

Natalie Neysa Alund | The Tennessean

A Metro Nashville Public Schools teacher is facing a state misdemeanor animal cruelty charge after authorities said an emu kept by her school died. The citation came months after four alpacas under her care died.

Jessica Lumpkins, 33, an animal science teacher at McGavock High School, was cited in connection with the emu's death during a Wednesday inspection at the school by Metro Animal Care and Control, said Metro Public Health Department spokesman Brian Todd.

Lumpkins is accused of neglecting the emu by not providing adequate water and food, as well as failing to provide appropriate care after multiple warnings by MACC.

She was also cited with animal cruelty in March after four alpacas at the school died, MACC authorities confirmed Thursday.

School system spokesperson Sean Braisted said Lumpkins left McGavock High after receiving the latest citation. She was placed on leave Thursday and hired a local attorney, Braisted said in an email.

Another teacher took charge of the animals this week after Lumpkins was cited.

"We hope to continue this program for the sake of the students, but not unless the welfare of the animals can be guaranteed," Braisted said. "The district is in the process of removing animals from McGavock."

History of violations, poor conditions

Animal control officers performed random checks at the school for six months and found several violations, according to the citation.

"The cleanliness of the kennels have been poor. The animals have had inadequate water and food," an officer wrote in the citation. "The defendant also failed to provide care for an emu that has since died."

The officer went on to write that authorities warned Lumpkins multiple times and met with the school board over the issues. School officials agreed to allow animal control to conduct surprise inspections after the alpaca deaths.

MACC director Lauren Bluestone said two alpacas died in January, and several weeks later, two more died. An inspection showed the animals had the wrong food, no water and were being kept in unclean living conditions.

Todd said MACC conducted a surprise inspection last week and found an emu that appeared to be thin.

"The MACC officer alerted the teacher that runs the program to have the emu checked by a vet," Todd said. "MACC went back for a re-inspection yesterday morning and was told the emu had died. The teacher over the program did not provide any additional information about the emu."

'A breakdown in the process'

Todd said MACC is working with MNPS "to do what is best for the animals and children at the school."

Glencliff High School, which also houses small animals, will receive some of the animals from McGavock High while the investigation continues, Braisted said.

Bluestone said remaining animals within the school district program include chickens, rabbits and goats and that it was possible they would be moved to a foster farm.

"These charges of animal cruelty are disheartening and show a breakdown in the process set up to ensure the welfare of animals within MNPS care at McGavock High School," Brown said. "It is the hope of the school and administrators that this important program can be continued for the sake of the students, but not until we can work with animal welfare specialists to determine the causes of this problem and develop a mutually agreed upon solution that guarantees the safety of these or future animals."

Adam Tamburin contributed to this report.

Reach Natalie Neysa Alund at nalund@tennessean.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.