WEST STOCKHOLM — A Stockholm woman has been charged with animal cruelty for allegedly keeping 10 horses without proper food, water and shelter.

Rose L. Malone, 50, of 1299 Old Potsdam-Parishville Road, was charged by St. Lawrence County sheriff’s deputies at 10:25 a.m. Thursday with animal cruelty.

Deputies responded to an anonymous tip received several days ago.

Dr. Kirsten D. Anderson of Lake Effect Veterinary Services, Watertown, inspected Ms. Malone’s 10 horses and found them to be in poor condition and in need of immediate medical attention.

The horses were being kept in a muddy coral without shelter, with a small amount of moldy hay and with very little water, according to deputies.

“They were very thin. Not because the lady didn’t care about them; she just couldn’t care for them,” Dr. Anderson said.

The horses were removed from the property and are staying with Dr. Anderson for treatment. One died shortly after being removed from the property, but the rest are responding well to treatment, Dr. Anderson said.

Ms. Malone was arraigned in Parishville Town Court. If the judge decides she is unfit to care for the horses, Dr. Anderson will begin trying to find good homes for them.

Ms. Malone’s negligence was not a result of criminal intent, Deputy Christopher O. Duciewicz said.

“She liked the horses,” he said. “She astounded herself that she couldn’t maintain that many horses.”

Dr. Anderson said she sees cases like this two or three times a year.

“Often times they get the horse and they don’t realize what it costs to take care of them,” she said.

Those who suspect animal negligence should call the police or a veterinarian, hopefully in time to remedy the situation before it becomes a large problem, Dr. Anderson said.

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