A Columbia Falls, Mont., woman pleaded not guilty to felony charges of aggravated animal cruelty for the starvation deaths of six horses and severe malnourishment of two others.

Tina Pickton, 32, was arrested Feb. 8 after Flathead County sheriff’s deputies investigated reports that dead horses had been found on the pasture she leased east of the city.

On visiting the property, deputies and brand inspectors found signs that horses had chewed tree branches and pawed into the dirt looking for food. There was no indication that anybody had brought food recently, and no water was available.

Pickton, also known as Tina Houston, is free on a $20,000 bail bond.

She entered the plea of not guilty Thursday in the courtroom of District Judge Ted Lympus.

Pickton’s next court appearance is an omnibus hearing May 16, with a pretrial hearing scheduled for May 23.

Public Defender Vicki Frazier is representing Pickton. Dan Guzynski, deputy county attorney, is prosecuting.

For more information see www.TheHorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=8921.