SOMERVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- An attorney for a Tennessee walking horse trainer who pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the abuse of horses says a plea deal may be reached over state animal cruelty charges.
Jackie McConnell of Collierville was sentenced to three years' probation and a $75,000 fine on Sept. 18 for violating the federal Horse Protection Act. His hearing scheduled for Tuesday in Fayette County General Sessions Court over 17 misdemeanor animal cruelty charges was postponed to Nov. 13.
David Douglas, McConnell's attorney for the state charges, told the Jackson Sun that plea deal discussions are taking place.
The video made public this summer by the Humane Society of the United States showed McConnell and others applying caustic substances to horses' legs and hooves and beating the horses.
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2012 By The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
