The Clarkesville couple charged in a high profile animal cruelty case will not go on trial. Teresa and Clarence Bramblett this morning pled no contest to the charges against them. The Brambletts pled guilty to five counts including one count of neglect, three counts of cruelty to animals and one count of violation of a game holding permit, according to court officials.
They were sentenced to five years probation and fined a total of $680 each.
While on probation the Brambletts are barred from owning companion animals such as dogs and cats and they can not own animals requiring permits.
As part of the arrangement the couple waived their 4th Amendment right which means law enforcement can search their property to insure compliance. They must remain on probation for the full five years, with no possibility for early termination.
The Brambletts originally were charged with 340 counts each of animal cruelty and one count each of possessing a game animal without a permit. All of the counts were misdemeanors and carried a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
A civil case to determine if the Brambletts must repay Habersham County cost of care expenses for housing some of their animals after they were seized is now pending appeal.
