Prosecutors said Wednesday they have finalized a plea deal with the woman who kept dozens of malnourished horses on a farm in South Franklin Township.
Jean Watson pleaded guilty to eight counts of cruelty to animals after investigators from Washington Area Humane Society visited a farm on Bedillion Road in February and found 24 horses, including eight that eventually died.
Assistant District Attorney Michael Fagella said they came to an agreement two weeks ago before finalizing it Tuesday prior to her preliminary hearing with District Judge Jay Dutton.
According to the agreement, Watson, of 271 Chestnut Ridge Road, Amwell Township, must pay a fine and will not be allowed to keep horses for an undisclosed period of time. When she is eventually allowed to care for horses again, it will be under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Fagella added that Watson also must pay medical and transportation costs for the horses found on the farm. Most of the horses on the farm have been placed in foster care.
Authorities initially charged Watson with 23 counts of animal cruelty, but reduced the charges as part of the plea.
Fagella said the humane society was involved in the plea arrangement and pushed for the veterinarian supervision once Watson is permitted to care for horses. Officials from Washington Area Humane Society did not return phone calls seeking comment on the agreement.