Nobles Co. Woman Gets 90 Days For 15 Horse Deaths

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Reading woman was sentenced Friday to 90 days in jail after 15 horses were found dead on her property in March of 2014.

The Nobles County Attorney's office says Joan Mary Moore, 56, pleaded guilty to five counts of animal neglect.

An anonymous tip led officers to Moore's property on March 25, 2014, where they found 15 dead horses in various states of decay. Nine other horses were found alive, but were malnourished.

Moore told officers she was unable to feed them after her income dwindled when her hours were cut at her job.

In addition to her jail sentence, Moore must also pay $200 to the Minnesota Horse Welfare Coalition, and she is forbidden from owning or having custody of any pet or animal with the exception of strays – unless she lures them with food and water. She also received one year of probation.

She will most likely not have to serve all 90 days of her sentence if she demonstrates good behavior.