CLINTON, N.C. (AP) — Tammie Michelle Montiel, of Sampson County is facing multiple counts of animal cruelty after 54 malnourished horses were found in a pasture.

According to The Fayetteville Observer reports authorites said the woman is charged with 18 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty,

Deputies first responded to a call about the horses in June. The horses were running loose and deputies saw the horses in the pasture in different states of malnutrition.

Although Montiel was allowed to keep 37 horses, 17 horses were taken immediately. The rest were seized on July 1, along with ducks, chickens and guineas.

Montiel's is currently free on $5,000 bail.

RESOURCE: The Fayetteville Observer, http://bit.ly/U81eKs, Posted: Tuesday, July 15, 2014, By Nancy McCleary Staff writer