A Montana couple faces multiple animal cruelty charges in connection with the alleged maltreatment of horses on their Carbon County property.

Carbon County Deputy County Attorney Rennie Wittman said that earlier this month, authorities from the county sheriff's department and the Montana Department of Livestock discovered more than 60 animals residing on a ranch owned by Jack and Terry Martin. Based on veterinary examinations, authorities deemed half of the animals to be malnourished.

On Feb. 17, County Attorney Alex Nixon charged each of the Martins with one misdemeanor count and 26 felony counts of animal cruelty, Wittman said. If convicted, the pair could face penalties of up to one year in the county jail and $1,000 in fines for the misdemeanor count. Each felony carries penalties of up to two years incarceration in the Department of Corrections and fines up to $2,500, Wittman said.

"Upon conviction, but prior to sentencing a judge may limit the Martins' horse ownership or award custody of the horses to the Carbon County Sheriff's Department," Wittman said