A West Donegal Township couple is charged with felony animal cruelty regarding a horse who died in December from being neglected and starved.

Northwest Regional police charged Kenneth Breneman, 64, and Jean Breneman, 63, Wednesday afternoon – each with felony aggravated cruelty and three related misdemeanors.

One misdemeanor regards neglect of a living goat also found at the home.

The horse, “Champ,” fell outside the couple’s Stonemill Drive home on Dec. 13. Passers-by called police and stopped to assist the horse.

Police and a veterinarian responded to the home and determined nothing could be done for the horse, so “Champ” was euthanized.

A necropsy revealed the horse died of emaciation, and also had severe dental disease and other conditions.

On Wednesday, District Judge Randall Miller arraigned the Brenemans on charges filed by Northwest Regional police Officer Tyler Seidel.

District Judge Miller set bail at $250,000 unsecured.

Kenneth and Jean Breneman are presumed innocent. Preliminary hearings are scheduled for Feb. 26.

The Pennsylvania SPCA, Humane Officer Jen Nields, responded to the home on Dec. 13 and transported “Champ” to New Bolton Center in Kennett Square where a necropsy was performed.

The SPCA also took the goat for proper veterinarian care.

Lancaster County Detective Joanne Resh assisted in the case. Assistant District Attorney Christine L. Wilson approved charges.

Eastern Lancaster County Veterinary Clinic also assisted.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright