Horses' owner fined

MCCLELLANVILLE — A woman cited for poor treatment of six miniature horses and donkeys was fined Thursday and allowed to keep one horse, a male that appeared to be the best-fed of the bunch.

Cynthia Dellinger, 50, of 9760 Randall Road, pleaded guilty to one count of animal-care violation, said Kay Hyman, director of outreach and communications for the Charleston Animal Society.

Magistrate David Coker fined Dellinger $1,087, but suspended it to $55 provided she doesn't incur any animal violations for one year, Hyman said.

Hyman said Dellinger pleaded no contest to five other citations related to animal care. Coker also ordered Dellinger to pay the Animal Society $300 in restitution; Hyman said care of the animals has cost about $1,500.

Animal Control officers in May found that five of the six animals were emaciated, a report stated. The animals were removed June 26 after conditions were unchanged, the report said.

Hay was scattered on top of manure and drinking water was stagnant, the report said. Some animals had leg sores and their winter coats were matted. They required treatment for parasites and they needed dental work because their teeth caused tongue scarring and inhibited them from eating, officers said.

Two miniature horses and three miniature donkeys are expected to be available for adoption once testing is finished to make sure they don't have an equine virus. Call the Animal Society at 747-4849 for more information.

Reach Nita Birmingham at 937-5433 or nbirmingham@postandcourier.com.