JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – A judge has reduced the sentence for a couple convicted of animal cruelty charges after 33 animals were found in their house, along with a freezer full of cat carcasses.

General Sessions Judge Robert Lincoln on Thursday ordered the jail term for Lynne and Arthur Giles cut from 100 to 15 days and halved their probation from 10 years to five.

Lincoln originally sentenced them for 33 counts of animal cruelty and 14 counts of violating a rabies law on July 8, but he now says the Gileses were more severely punished than some people with felony convictions.

However, Lincoln warned the couple that if they violate probation by bringing other animals into their house during the next five years, he could send them back to jail.

The couple also pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges in 1999 for keeping 48 cats in the house and have a similar record in Winslow, Maine, authorities said.

Attorneys for the couple said they were pleased with the decision and likely to accept the revised sentences, but they can appeal to Criminal Court within 10 days.

Lincoln imposed 100 hours of community service, which he wanted the couple to serve at the local animal shelter. But Assistant District Attorney General Melanie Gwinn told him center officials did not want the Gileses in the building.

She was not happy with the judge’s decision, saying the Gileses won’t feel much monetary effect because court costs, fines and jail fees will be deducted from a $10,000 cash bond posted by Mrs. Giles’ father. They’re also are returning to a home cleaned by neighbors.