Couple faces prison after conviction for cruelty to horses

A county Superior Court jury has convicted Jennifer Nicole Budre and Clarence Edward Spear Jr. of 12 counts of animal cruelty, according to authorities.

Sentencing of the pair by judge Joseph Soldani has been set for Nov. 17. Each faces up to 10 years and four months in jail, according to Madera County District Attorney David A. Linn.

Madera County Animal Services seized 12 horses from the defendants after they failed to feed the herd. The horses had become ill and emaciated.

The pair were prosecuted by Todd Spangler, supervising deputy district attorney and supervisor of the Agricultural Water Crimes Task Force.

“We will continue to prosecute those who abuse helpless animals and hold them to account for their criminal actions,” said Linn.