Robin Vess, the Ohio woman convicted on more than 40 counts of second degree misdemeanor animal cruelty for maltreating numerous Arabian horses, has lost her bid for a new trial in the case.

In February 2010 Humane Society of Ottawa County animal welfare authorities discovered 37 animals living in filth without food or water on Vess’ Oak Harbor farm. One horse was found dead and another five were euthanized at the scene. The remaining 31 horses were removed from the farm and placed under rehabilitative care. Vess later surrendered the surviving animals to the Arabian Rescue Mission/Arabian Rescue Midwest. The horses were subsequently placed in new homes or with former owners or breeders.

Ottawa County prosecutors later charged Vess with 42 counts of counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. She declined to accept a plea deal that would have dismissed the majority of the charges in exchange for pleading guilty to three of those counts. In April 2010 Vess was convicted on all charges and sentenced to the maximum penalty of 90 days in jail with the majority of the jail time suspended. As a result, Vess was ordered to serve 42 days in jail. She was also ordered to serve five years probation, was forbidden to own any horses until the court orders otherwise, and required to participate in the court’s mental health program. Vess was also ordered to pay $8,711.87 in fines and court costs.

In September 2010 Vess’ attorney sought a new trial in the case claiming that post-trial information indicated that one witness in the case was biased against Vess. That motion was denied