A man is facing possible jail time after El Paso County Sheriff’s Office deputies found at least six malnourished horses at his property in the eastern part of the county.

In early February, the office received several reports of malnourished horses on a property near the 3800 block of Bar 10 Road, located south of Ellicott and about 25 miles east of Colorado Springs, according to a news release Tuesday from the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies spoke to the owner, who told them he was providing nine horses with proper sustenance under the “care advice” from his veterinarian.

After receiving more reports, deputies followed up with the man on May 15 to visually assess the animals, which looked like they weren’t being properly cared for. Days later, authorities returned with a warrant and a veterinarian, who said six of the horses required immediate medical intervention.

The six horses were loaded into trailers and transported to a local animal rescue shelter. The remaining three stayed with the owner, 42-year-old Robert Bardwine, who was given instructions to comply with specific care requirements for the animals.

Bardwine is facing six counts of cruelty to animals, defined under Colorado law as a class 1 misdemeanor.

Such offenses can result in up to six months in jail, a $500 fine or both for each count, according to sentencing guidelines from the Colorado Department of Human Services.