Convicted animal abusers in Elbert County go to prison

ELBERTON - Richard and Christine McRae will spend six months in jail and the following 18 years on probation after they were sentenced Tuesday on 18 counts each of animal cruelty.<br> <br> The state Department of Agriculture had to confiscate 17 horses from the McRaes&#39; farm last year. District Attorney Bob Lavender said two of the 17 horses died while in state care. Another was euthanized because it was in poor health, he said.<br> <br> The couple has owned horses for 30 years, but will be prohibited from doing so while on probation.<br> <br> The McRaes&#39; attorney, Jeff Rothman, said the horses suffered because of his clients&#39; ignorance, not their neglect. The McRaes, who were also convicted last month of improperly disposing a carcass, face about $2,000 in fines along with their jail time.<br> <br> ``They loved those horses. They just messed up,&#39;&#39; Rothman said.<br> <br> The McRaes will forfeit their horses to the state. Lavender said the state can sell the horses for about $50,000, which will be used to recoup the agriculture department&#39;s $70,000 in holding and veterinary expenses.