A Jackson County man was sentenced Monday after being found guilty of more than 50 counts of animal cruelty.

Frank Johnson was sentenced to two years of probation for 54 counts of animal cruelty. During that time, he won't be allowed to have animals, Jackson County Attorney Shawna Miller said. A one-year underlying jail sentence was suspended in lieu of probation.

Johnson was found guilty during a bench trial.

Miller said Johnson has filed a notice of appeal.

The horses' future remains unresolved. Miller said she filed a civil suit for transfer of ownership on behalf of the Jackson County Sheriff's Office after an individual contended they have partial ownership of the horses.

"Ultimately my hope is to get these horses out of his ownership," Miller said.

She said though it is taking time to get the civil case resolved, she hopes the horses will eventually get to a place where they are cared for.

In July, the sheriff's office removed a dozen horses from a farm near Hoyt.

Johnson was identified as the horses' caretaker.

A veterinarian said the horses were in poor health and weren't receiving proper medical care. Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said four stallions weren't being given enough water on a day when the heat index reached 101 degrees.