Woman sentenced in Fresno County for failing to care for 15 horses

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A woman who faced a felony charge for failing to care for 15 race horses was sentenced Monday in a Fresno County courtroom. Kathryn Jones was taken to jail after an investigation by the SPCA revealed the thoroughbreds were severely malnourished.

Nearly four years later the last two horses, named Betty's Dancer and Whiskey For My Men, remain un-adopted at the SPCA. But-- the horses are not skinny and starving anymore. They are healthy and thriving.

Monday morning the defendant responsible for failing to feed them was sentenced to 16 months in prison.

"She had those horses for a long time, and it was not something she was really in control of and it's unfortunate the horses were not taken care of, but really she was unaware of those issues," said Mike Elder, Jones attorney.

Her attorney said his client pled to the charge after a long stay in a mental hospital, where she was treated for several disorders.

Over the years, Jones missed some court dates, and once showed up late before a bizarre rambling to the judge.

When she was sentenced, another judge noted her recent stability and reminded her to stay the course.

"Miss Jones, I can only encourage you to continue taking the medication and I think you'll avoid any future problems," said Hon. Ralph Nunez, Fresno County Superior Court.

Jones attorney said his client had no intention of neglecting the horses, but instead, was unable to care for the horses and asked someone else to tend to them. They weren't taken care of, and ultimately, she took responsibility.

Since Jones has already served time in prison, her punishment is complete and she will remain free.

As terms of her sentence, Jones is not allowed to have any animals for the next 10 years. Her attorney said that is the greatest punishment of all because of her love of horses.