Morrilton - The Pulaski County Humane Society says more than a half-dozen horses were found neglected and malnourished in Conway County Thursday night.

The discovery comes just one day after the Senate passed a tougher animal cruelty bill.

Authorities say the horses were owned by an older couple. The animals were removed just before lunch Friday, and immediately taken to a veterinarian in White Hall. Humane Society officials say they hope the animals will survive and eventually be able to be adopted out.

Kay Simpson with the Pulaski County Humane Society says had her people not been called, some of the animals would not have lived.

(Kay Simpson, Pulaski County Humane Society) “The gentleman thought that if you bought more low-quality grain and fed more of it, it would take the place of what the hay should do. But it doesn't work that way."

House Speaker Robbie Wills believes the new animal cruelty law is days away from being voted on--and ultimately being signed into law.

(Robbie Wills [D], Conway) “It will make animal cruelty a first-offense felony. Right now, it's a second-offense felony, meaning the first time it's a misdemeanor. If you're caught again, it's a felony. So this really elevates it to the appropriate level.”

(Simpson) “This is neglect, yes. But I don't think this would have qualified as a felony, because this was not aggravated or intentional. It was an older couple trying to take care of what they have--and it was growing all the time."

The full House is expected to vote on the animal cruelty bill next Wednesday. If the bill passes, it would become law 90 days after the session is over.

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