Couple Gets Probation For Neglecting, Underfeeding Horses

RIVERSIDE (AP) — A Southern California couple has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges for neglecting and underfeeding seven horses.

The Riverside Press-Enterprise says 58-year-old Franklin Cleaves and his 68-year-old wife Theresa each pleaded guilty to five misdemeanor counts and they were sentenced to three years' probation. In exchange for the pleas, prosecutors dismissed two felony animal cruelty charges.

The judge ordered the couple to not own any horses while on probation.

Three years ago, animal control officers ordered the couple to feed the malnourished horses at their stables near Temecula. The horses were missing fur, their ribs were protruding and they had sores.

It was later discovered the horses were moved to other locations to avoid detection.

The horses were seized by animal control officers at an Anza property in November 2008.

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