NEW BERLIN – An ongoing dispute between accused felon Lauren McMaster and his neighbor – whose name has not been released – lies at the heart of McMaster’s alleged shooting of six horses at a property adjacent to Hunts Pond Road, according to authorities.

McMaster, 75, has been charged with six counts each of criminal mischief, a class D felony, and cruelty to animals, a class A misdemeanor, said Chenango County First Assistant District Attorney Stephen Dunshee. He could – if convicted on all charges – face up to two consecutive seven-year terms in state prison, the maximum sentence.

Captain James Barnes of the New York State Police said an investigation into the shootings is still underway and “there are still some issues” that need to be resolved. The six horses, which belonged to McMaster’s neighbor, were shot and killed with a 12-gauge shotgun.