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.