Not-guilty plea in horse deaths

Columbia Falls woman faces felony charges of animal cruelty

The Daily Inter Lake

Tina Pickton pleaded not guilty Thursday morning to felony charges of aggravated animal cruelty for the starvation deaths of six horses and severe malnourishment of two others.

The 32-year-old Columbia Falls woman was arrested Feb. 8 after Flathead County sheriff's deputies investigated reports that dead horses had been found on the pasture she leased on Bayou Road.

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 $20,000 commercial bond.

In the courtroom of District Judge Ted Lympus Thursday morning, she hid her face from observers and television cameras by bending her head forward and letting her long, straight hair fall on either side as she walked to the front and sat with her public defender. She maintained the posture as she walked out, and covered her face with her hand.

Her next court appearance is an omnibus hearing May 16, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for May 23.

If found guilty of the charges, Pickton faces two years in jail, a $2,500 fine, or both.

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