LIHUE >> The Kauai Humane Society says it could use some help in caring for 16 horses it rescued in May.

Executive Director Rebecca Rhoades learned this week that Lara Butler-Brady pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. Trial is set for Oct. 4.

The horses were reported to be emaciated and dehydrated when they were seized from land leased by Butler-Brady from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Rhoades says the horses are now doing well.

She calculates it costs between $200 and $300 a month to feed and care for each horse.

Rhoades says the society would like to hear from anyone who might be interested in possibility adopting any of the horses.