The Mercer County District Attorney's Office Friday withdrew charges of animal cruelty against an Otter Creek Township woman but plans to refile them Monday.

Assistant District Attorney Neil McEwen said he asked District Justice Ruth French, Mercer, to grant a continuance on a hearing for Becky L. Kaltenbaugh, 91 Bush Road, because an expert witness was out of state.

Mrs. French denied the request.

Faced with either proceeding without the witness or withdrawing charges, McEwen said he decided to withdraw the charges and refile them Monday.

Mercer County humane agent Cyndi Sankey said she helped remove two malnourished horses and one rabbit from Ms. Kaltenbaugh's farm in late August because the animals did not have adequate food and water.