Bridger couple charged with violating animal cruelty sentence

MONTANA -- A Bridger-area couple forbidden to own any animals while serving their sentences in an animal cruelty case have been arrested after a probation officer found 11 horses on their property.

Jack Martin and Theresa Martin (aka Terry Martin aka Teresa Martin) are jailed in Yellowstone County with bail set at $40,000 each.

The Martins were charged in February 2011 with 26 counts of felony aggravated animal cruelty after seven dead horses and numerous starving horses were found on their property. They pleaded no contest. Last July, Jack Martin was given a two-year suspended sentence while Theresa Martin received a four-year deferred sentence.

They were ordered to find new homes for about 70 horses.

A probation officer's report said the Martins were accused earlier this month of taking back 11 horses they previously owned.

(Ravalli Republic - July 24, 2013)