CLEARFIELD TWP — A township woman is accused of neglecting to care for 10 horses at her home on McEvoy Road.

State police in May removed the horses from Elan L. Welter-Lewis’ property, claiming the animals were emaciated and living in poor conditions and in need of veterinary care.

Police on Friday cited the 57-year-old Welter-Lewis on 23 counts of cruelty to animals in connection with the investigation.

Trooper Shawn King, state police animal cruelty investigator, sent a complaint to the owner’s home on May 21. King said he could see a number of horses that appeared to be in poor health.

He said he observed the animals’ “ribs, raised backbones and pointy hip bones,” according to court documents.

The horses’ pasture contained some green vegetation but it appeared to be “of poor quality,” King said He noted, too, that he could not find any water source.

The trooper was unable to find Welter-Lewis at her home and later contacted her by telephone.

She told police that she had 24 horses and disputed claims that the animals were not well fed.

“She described some of the horses as fat,” King said in court papers.

The horses, she told police, ranged in age from 6 months to 15 years; most of them were 7 years old or younger.

King, after reviewing his findings with Butler County Assistant District Attorney Mark Lope, got a search warrant that same day.

District Judge Pete Shaffer issued the warrant that allowed police to seize the allegedly neglected horses.

Documents identified the confiscated animals as fox trotters. Those horses included two mares, three geldings, two studs, and three colts.

Welter-Lewis said Monday that she took proper care of her horses.

“All is not what it seems,” she said of the case against her. “This has nothing to do about horses. But it has everything to do with fundraising.”

The Cabot-based Equine Angels Rescue group, which took her horses, wants to get animals so it can get publicity and in turn get donations, Welter-Lewis claimed.

“In my heart I do not believe I did anything wrong,” she said.

Police said the seized horses remain in the care of the rescue group, which is helping to rehabilitate them.

Animal cruelty is a summary offense. Each charge carries a possible fine of $50 to $750, and up to 90 days in jail.

Welter-Lewis has 10 days to plead guilty or request a summary trial to fight the charges.