BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) -- A Carbon County couple accused of allowing about half of their 63 horses to starve have been charged.
County Attorney Alex Nixon has filed 26 felony counts and one misdemeanor count of animal cruelty against Jack and Terry Martin, who own a 253-acre ranch along Sand Creek between Bridger and Fromberg. The complaint filed Friday says at least six horses have been found dead on the ranch, and another was humanely shot by authorities.
The Martins are scheduled to make their initial court appearance Feb. 25.
Authorities executed two search warrants this month, and a veterinarian determined that none of the surviving horses was healthy.
Terry Martin denied Friday the horses were starving, telling The Billings Gazette she and her husband didn't have a problem feeding the animals. She says she takes care of her horses and would never hurt an animal.
