DOUGLASVILLE (AP) - Douglas County officials say a 29-year-old man is facing animal cruelty charges after eight horses were found malnourished on his property.

Chief sheriff's deputy Stan Copeland says Steven Alston was arrested Tuesday evening and is being held at the Douglas County jail on $4,000 bond.

WSB Radio reports (http://bit.ly/nENYoN ) Copeland says someone called the sheriff's office after noticing the animals and a deputy was dispatched to Alston's home.

Copeland says Alston told investigators he couldn't afford to feed the horses and had considered setting them loose.

Police say Alston faces four counts of animal cruelty. Douglas County spokesman Wes Tallon says the horses are being treated at animal shelters.