Former international Thoroughbred bloodstock agents Otis Wayne Murty and Anson Duane Murty have each pleaded not guilty to seven counts of second-degree animal cruelty after several neglected horses were found to be under their ownership.

According to the Lexington, Ky., Herald-Leader, the twin brothers entered not-guilty pleas July 29 in Woodford District Court. They are scheduled to appear again before Judge Vanessa Dickson Aug. 19 after they have hired attorneys.

On July 2, between 24 and 30 horses, including mares and foals owned by the 77-year-old brothers were found to be malnourished and shut in feces-filled stalls at Hopewell Farm near Midway, Ky. The Murty brothers were leasing part of the property from its previous owner, Richard Trontz. The farm was sold at auction July 16.

Two of the horses were in such bad condition they had to be euthanized. According to an arrest warrant filed in Woodford County, "Necropsy reports indicated these two horses were emaciated at the time of death