The owners of horses found in poor health pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty charges Monday morning.

Robert Fraichard II and Cynthia Konsella, both of 1455 Irvine Road, are both charged with second-degree cruelty to animals after officials found several horses on their property showing signs of malnutrition and dehydration on Feb. 16.

Monday in Clark District Court, Judge Charles Hardin gave them time to find an attorney and reappear in court April 8. They were allowed to remain free on bond.

Sheriff’s deputies and animal control officials were called to the property on Feb. 16 after a neighbor reported seeing horses there in poor shape.

One horse was already dead and a second had to be euthanized at the scene by a veterinarian, Clark County Animal Shelter Director Adreanna Wills said recently.

Two horses were taken by shelter officials that day and hospitalized. Another five were surrendered to the shelter and placed in foster care, while the shelter is monitoring the condition of the remaining 14 horses on the property.

Wills said the two horses have been released from the hospital and all the horses seem to be improving.

According to court documents, Fraichard told deputies he had problems caring for the horses and got overwhelmed.

Deputies and shelter officials found minimal hay and water on the property.