A Maryland farm operator faces multiple animal cruelty charges for the alleged maltreatment of 26 horses on his Garrett County property.

Last month, animal welfare authorities removed the horses along with other livestock after receiving a tip about their condition, said Denise Clatterbuck Lohr, animal control officer for the Garrett County Humane Society. The horses are under rehabilitative care at the Days End Farm Horse Rescue, said Sue Mitchell, the rescue's director of development. Since the seizure, one animal was euthanized. The remainder are improving, Mitchell said.

On Tuesday, law enforcement authorities charged Richard Friend with 18 counts of animal cruelty in connection with the seizure, Lohr said. If convicted, he could face per count penalties of up to 90 days in jail and $1,000 in fines.

Friend could not be reached for comment