Michigan woman convicted of animal cruelty in death of horse says someone else poisoned it

MICHIGAN -- A Livingston County woman who was convicted of animal cruelty in the death of one horse and the care of two other horses says the animal that died must have been poisoned by someone else.

The Livingston County Daily Press & Argus of Howell and WHMI-FM report Velva Jean Wainscott of Cohoctah Township made the comments during her sentencing hearing.

On Wednesday she received two years of probation and was ordered not to own animals except for her dog.

Livingston County Animal Control officers went to Wainscott's farm Jan. 12 after a 911 caller reported seeing a dead horse. Witnesses testified that water for Wainscott's horses was frozen and their hay was filled with feces and urine, making it inedible.

Wainscott testified that her horses had adequate water and feed.

(Greenfield Reporter - June 20, 2014)

Earlier:

• Horses Seized From Cohoctah Township Farm for Neglect
• Felony charges against horse owner dismissed