[Echo Farm]

A Pike County couple was arrested and charged with cruelty to animals Friday — a week after 99 horses and 29 dogs were removed from their 600-acre farm.

Roger Prater, 56, was in Pike County Jail Friday afternoon. His wife, Bobbie Allison, 70, was released on bond, their attorney Virgil Brown said.

Prater and Allison were each charged with 100 counts of cruelty to animals, and one count each of animal running at large and improper disposal of a livestock carcass.

Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

In addition to the Pike County charges, there is an active felony warrant for Prater's arrest in Tennessee.

The warrant charges that Prater bought but did not pay for horses while at an auction in Tennessee. Authorities there are waiting to extradite him.

Complete story: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/met...methorses.html

Sesiure of animals challenged: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/met...methorses.html